Robert M. Gagné

Robert Mills Gagné (August 21, 1916–April 28, 2002) was an American educational psychologist best known for his "Conditions of Learning". Gagné pioneered the science of instruction during WWII for the air force with pilot training. Later he went on to develop a series of studies and works that helped codify what he and many others considered to be 'good instruction.' He was also involved in applying concepts of instructional theory to the design of computer-based training and multimedia-based learning [reference?].

Gagné's work is sometimes summarized as the Gagné Assumption. The assumption is that different types of learning exist, and that different instructional conditions are most likely to bring about these different types of learning.

Events of Instruction

One of Gagné's major contributions to the theory of instruction was the model "Nine Events of Instruction".

• Gain attention
• Inform learner of objectives
• Stimulate recall of prior learning
• Present stimulus material
• Provide learner guidance
• Elicit performance
• Provide feedback
• Assess performance
• Enhance retention and transfer

External links

• Conversation on Instructional Design Home (Gagné and Merrill Video Seminar)