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Jerry Zandstra (JZ) – Senior Director of Learning
Miriam Taylor (MT) – Customer Success Manager
(JZ) Before we jump into our topic, can you provide a synopsis again of Learning Science as a whole?
(MT) Sure, this is mostly a summary statement, but I think it helps us understand the main elements. Learning science is a field made up of a variety of disciplines focusing on how people learn and develop. It draws on principles and theories from psychology, education, neuroscience, cognitive science, sociology, linguistics, behavioral studies, and consumer science to study the factors that contribute to effective learning and skill development.
(JZ)That makes sense at a high level. Where do we commonly see learning science used and applied?
(MT) The goal of studying and having a base of knowledge with learning science is always to increase the success of applied learning solutions. A big focus is to use research and design strategies in order to improve learning outcomes in diverse settings, such as schools, workplaces, and informal learning environments.
(JZ) Technology also plays a big role in this. Learning science as a field investigates how technology can be used to enhance learning experiences. So instructional designers (IDs) apply learning science to try to understand how people learn and then use that knowledge to design more effective learning experiences.
(JZ) How do instructional designers apply learning science as they design learning experiences and programs?
(MT) Instructional designers aren’t experts in all of these fields but have a good broad understanding of them. I like to think of them as the proverbial bookshelf that an instructional designer can pull a reference book from when needed although I suppose that analogy is pretty outdated. When an ID approaches a new project, they use their knowledge of the learning sciences and filter that through the grid of instructional design to create the best possible learning solution in that given situation. I think we’ll see how sociology, in particular, is very helpful especially when designing for a global audience.
(JZ)Thank you for the helpful segue, so now let’s introduce the learning science topic for this article, which is sociology.
(MT) I think a good summary is like the word indicates, sociology helps us have a better understanding of the complex social factors that influence how people learn and develop.
Sociology is basically a study of how people interact within their own group culture and between various kinds of groups and their cultures. It involves individuals, societies, groups, subgroups, and communities. These can be very large, like the entire population of a country or very small like the production crew in a manufacturing plant.
For example, when you think of a specific country, you may immediately think of certain defining characteristics. They may be stereotypes, but you’re still thinking of larger sociological principles. Or, consider your latest interaction with your team in your workplace. What kind of culture is there? These are all sociological principles.
(JZ) Can you explain how it would shape our thinking as instructional designers?
(MT) Sure, so let’s start more basic and then get more complex. Not to oversimplify, but understanding broad sociological principles means an instructional designer (ID) is always making sure that the learning experience represents diverse and rich cultural perspectives.
And then, to be a little more technical. Sociology informs learning science by providing valuable insights into the social and cultural factors that influence learning and educational experiences. These insights are particularly relevant for examining issues such as inequality in education, the impact of social class, race, and gender on learning outcomes, and the influence of peer groups and social networks on educational achievement.
The overall goal is to develop more inclusive and effective learning practices that address issues of diversity, social inequality, and cultural differences.
(JZ) That helps me better understand the theory but can you provide a few practical examples?
(MT): Yes, so let’s think about the global corporate learning environment. Incorporating sociological perspectives can help instructional designers create eLearning modules that are sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of learners.
For example, a sociologically-informed instructional designer might consider how cultural norms and values can impact preferences, and design the module to accommodate different cultural perspectives. This could involve incorporating diverse examples, references, and case studies to ensure that the content is relevant and relatable to learners from various backgrounds.
Another way is by addressing social inequalities: Sociology can also help instructional designers identify and address social inequalities that may impact the learning experience. For instance, an instructional designer with a sociological understanding may recognize the potential barriers that learners from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds face in accessing eLearning resources and technology. I think it’s a mistake to assume that just because employees all work for the same company, they have access to the same resources globally.
So, an ID should design the module with considerations for accessibility, affordability, and technological advantage to ensure that all learners have equal opportunities to benefit from the learning experience. This might involve providing alternative access options, such as offline materials or low-bandwidth content, to ensure that the module is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of learners.
(JZ) From a practical perspective, let’s say I was writing a storyboard for a video or animation or perhaps designing a longer professional development or training session. What would it look like to see a sociological perspective considered?
(MT) Obviously, at Ingenuiti we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this because of the richness of our global audience. I thought it might be helpful to just include a list here that I regularly reference. This list helps me make sure I’m considering the learning science of sociology as I approach any project.
1. Incorporate a range of cultural references and examples in the training material. This could include using case studies, examples, and scenarios from different cultural backgrounds to ensure that all employees can relate to the content.
2. Invite virtual guest speakers or trainers from diverse cultural backgrounds to share their experiences and insights. This can provide different perspectives and help employees to understand and appreciate cultural differences.
3. Use a variety of learning materials from different cultures, such as videos, music, art, and audio voices to engage employees and provide them with a broader understanding of different cultural perspectives.
4. Encourage open discussions and share personal stories about cultural experiences. This can help employees to learn from one another and gain a deeper understanding of different cultural perspectives.
5. Provide opportunities for employees to participate in cultural immersion experiences, such as field trips or volunteer activities, to gain first hand exposure to different cultural perspectives.
6. Use technology to connect employees from different cultural backgrounds, such as virtual team projects, forums, or social media groups, to foster collaboration and understanding.
(JZ) Thank you Miriam for helping us better understand Sociology as a learning science.
(MT): I’m honored to be part of the conversation. There is a lot more that could be said but I think this is a good overview to get us thinking.
