Using Behaviour Change as a Critical Frame of Reference to Understand the Adoption of Learning Design Methodologies in Higher Education

Abstract

This paper introduces the COM-B model (Capabilities-Opportunities-Motivation:Behaviour) and its use in combination with the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) in developing an intervention which aims to promote the adoption of learning design methodologies by academic staff working with learning technologists in Higher Education (HE). Qualitative structured interviews were conducted among members of staff from five UK universities based on the COM-B model to identify the main behavioural determinants for the use and implementation of learning design methodologies. The analysis suggests that the implementation of learning design methodologies/frameworks might be more likely to occur if academic staff and learning technologists’ psychological capability, physical and social opportunities, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are addressed. The COM-B model and the BCW have been effective in the context of learning design to analyse the behaviour of academic staff and learning technologists when engaging in the design of online/blended learning programmes.