Learner-centered Principles from APA

The following principles were established by APA. I am planning to incorporate these principles in my instructional design strategy for incorporating computer-supported collaborative learning in an online course.
Learner-Centered Psychological Principles Revised (APA, 1997)
Cognitive and Metacognitive Factors
1. Nature of the learning process.
The learning of complex subject matter is most effective when it is an intentional process
of constructing meaning from information and experience.
2. Goals of the learning process. The successful learner, over time and with support and instructional guidance, can create
meaningful, coherent representations of knowledge.
3. Construction of knowledge. The successful learner can link new information with existing knowledge in meaningful
ways.
4. Strategic thinking. The successful learner can create and use a repertoire of thinking and reasoning
strategies to achieve complex learning goals.
5. Thinking about thinking. Higher order strategies for selecting and monitoring mental operations facilitate creative
and critical thinking.
6. Context of learning Learning is influenced by environmental factors, including culture, technology, and
instructional practices.
Motivational and Affective Factors
7. Motivational and emotional influences on learning What and how much is learned is influenced by the motivation. Motivation to learn, in turn,
is influenced by the individual's emotional states, beliefs, interests and goals, and habits
of thinking.
8. Intrinsic motivation to learn The learner's creativity, higher order thinking, and natural curiosity all contribute to
motivation to learn. Intrinsic motivation is stimulated by tasks of optimal novelty and
difficulty, relevant to personal interests, and providing for personal choice and control.
9. Effects of motivation on effort Acquisition of complex knowledge and skills requires extended learner effort and guided
practice. Without learners' motivation to learn, the willingness to exert this effort is
unlikely without coercion.
Developmental and Social Factors
10. Developmental influences on learning. As individuals develop, there are different opportunities and constraints for learning.
Learning is most effective when differential development within and across physical,
intellectual, emotional, and social domains is taken into account.
11. Social influences on learning. Learning is influenced by social interactions, interpersonal relations, and communication
with others.
Individual Differences Factors
12. Individual differences in learning. Learners have different strategies, approaches, and capabilities for learning that are a
function of prior experience and heredity.
13. Learning and diversity. Learning is most effective when differences in learners' linguistic, cultural, and social
backgrounds are taken into account.
14. Standards and assessment. Setting appropriately high and challenging standards and assessing the learner as well as
learning progress -- including diagnostic, process, and outcome assessment -- are integral
parts of the learning process.