Associative Learning

Learning that takes place when a response occurs in association and connection with a certain condition or stimulus.

These associations can be developed so that there is an automatic response from an individual when the specific condition is encountered. This can then trigger recall of the previous related learning.

Within a course design careful word or image association can be used to help develop understanding and learning.

Operant conditioning is a type of associative learning (developed by B.F. Skinner) which can be adapted for a learning environment, whereby rewards or additional support or challenges can be applied, depending on the outcome or selection by a learner in their learning journey.

Gamification is an approach where players are rewarded due to some success being achieved, this connects with the players emotions and further drives engagement in the game. Online learning can utilise this concept to help reinforce learning and also to provide additional learning opportunities or avenues of learning if an individual wishes to explore further.

In the original concept of operant conditioning the opposite of a reward would be a penalty or punishment, but this is inappropriate and usually unethical in helping motivate a learner to improve on the learning that is taking place.