As a former PreK-5 teacher and current professional development provider, I believe it’s important to use a combination of instructional theory when planning my instruction and setting goals for the expected learning.  Behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism are all relevant instructional theories.  Learning can be external and internal.  Learning can also be the result of a process.

Instructional Design is the process one purposely uses to plan activities that will facilitate learning.  The Instructional Design process takes into consideration the goal of the learning objective as well as the students and related learning theories in order to plan for successful instruction and learning.  Instructional Design is a greater concept than teaching alone.  It encompasses attention to the potential for external and internal learning through deliberately planned experiences using research-based methods of instruction, ongoing assessment, and modification of delivery as needed.