First Principles of Instruction

Maybe I am a lazy learner, but I like the idea of what Merril has completed in this article. Drawing together all of the common elements. However, one needs to be careful to not simplify things too much...

Key points for me:
"...an attempt to identify prescriptive principles that are common to the various theories....

1. Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems
2. Learning is promoted when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge.
3. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner.
4. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is applied by the learner.
5. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is integrated into the learner’s world.

...It is concluded that, although they use a wide variety of terms, these theories and models do include fundamentally similar principles."

Chris :-)