EDF3402 Learning and learner motivation in educational design
Faculty of Education
EDF3402 Learning and learner motivation in educational design is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Education. It isn't offered in 2026. It needs EDF1402.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF3402
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After EDF3402
No unit lists EDF3402 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
Learning designers need to understand how humans learn in order to design effective learning activities. However, there is no single theory or model which can be applied to all learners and learning contexts. In this unit, you will be introduced to significant and competing theories of learning, and you will be challenged to identify when and how they can be applied to inform learning designs.
Learning designers also need to understand the factors that drive and sustain motivation in order to inspire and engage learners. In this unit, you will examine key theories of motivation and learn how to apply this knowledge to the design of learning materials, activities and programs. You will learn a wide range of strategies including how to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, generate impactful feedback, as well as how to help learners develop self-regulation, resilience and productive habits. You will explore motivation in play and games, and how these may be embedded in learning designs.
You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn to real-world educational design challenges and to reflect on your own motivation as a learner.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for EDF3402.
Assessment
- Design for learning and motivation (1600 words or equivalent)Project40%
- Instructional media exploring a key issue (2400 words or equivalent)Project60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Define and describe key theories of learning and motivation and how these can be applied to learning design
- 2
Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analysing case studies and research related to learning theory and motivation, and synthesising information to inform design decisions
- 3
Design a learning activity informed by theory and research
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
- 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
- the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through, collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF3402?
You need EDF1402 before you enrol.
When is EDF3402 offered?
EDF3402 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is EDF3402?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF3402 have an exam?
No. EDF3402 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.