1 What is Instructional Design? A quick primer on instructional design and why you may benefit from it

March 2000Karen G. Phelan Table of Contents What is Instructional Design? Why should I care? Adults learn much differently than students Adult learning principles emphasize applying knowledge What does an instructional designer do? About the Author

March 2000Karen G. Phelan What is Instructional Design? Instructional design is the process of assessing the performance shortfalls of a particular population and then developing a program to teach the needed skills. Instructional design emphasizes learning objectives and the attainment of skills. Good instructional design radically improves the retention rate of the new material.

March 2000Karen G. Phelan Why should I care? Much research in last twenty years has shown the inadequacy of lecture/presentation teaching methods in gaining new knowledge and skills. Unless trainees have the opportunity to apply, discuss, and synthesize new material, it will be forgotten in about a month. People vary in the way they learn, and effective instruction should accommodate different learning styles. Instructional design focuses on adult learners.

March 2000Karen G. Phelan Adults learn much differently than students Student “What’s in it for me?” “Just give me the facts.” Knowledge is possession. Knowledge is right or wrong. Learning is to get something. Entry Career “What do you think I should know?” “How can I better meet others’ expectations?” Knowledge is expert advice and opinions. Learning is to be something. Mature Career “What is important for me to learn and succeed?” I am responsible for my own learning. Knowledge is an interpretation of facts, theories, etc., and our own experience. Learning improves our life. Taken from Transformation Learning in Adulthood by Portnow, Popp, Broderick, Drago-Severson, and Kegan.

March 2000Karen G. Phelan Adult Learning principles emphasize applying knowledge Most corporate training programs follow the guidelines of adult learning theory, developed by Malcolm Knowles and others. Adults learn: by doing – training should have heavy emphasis on application. using practical situations- adults must have a use for the information and learn it in that context. by synthesizing and retaining knowledge through discussing and practicing examples. Adults do not learn well in theoretical, lecture environments.

March 2000Karen G. Phelan What does an instructional designer do? If required, assesses the needs of the target audience. Works with client to determine goals and learning objectives of a particular program. Works with a subject matter or content expert to design a program that appeals to a variety of learning styles and adult learning preferences. Develops materials that aid in retention. Helps to implement the program. Evaluates the effectiveness of the program. Makes improvements and updates when required.