FINAL THOUGHTS
The principles behind generative learning offer the instructional designer much guidance for developing environments that engage the learner in active processing of the information in face-to-face, e-learning, or even informal learning environments. Following Wittrock’s principles, one should put the control of learning in the hands of the learner by creating an advisory environment in which learners manipulate information by moving text, graphics, and media
around mentally or physically, testing their own understanding of the relationships they are building. This means putting learners in an environment in which success can be guided, rewarded, and reinforced. Generative learning theory is not discovery learning but
student-centric learning with specified activities for actively constructing meaning. Generative
learning activities require internal processing of external stimuli. A generative learning environment is not limited to open-ended resources, although it could engender those, and it includes carefully crafted external stimuli that are ready for individual processing. Generative activities are what exist between the external stimuli and the learner. Generative
learning theory does not assume dominance of the role of the learner or instructor or instruction but rather a partnership in the process.