12.1 Instructional Design Based on Learning Theories
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Instructional design based on learning theories is crucial for effective education. It involves using models like ADDIE and to create structured, goal-oriented learning experiences. These approaches help align objectives, activities, and assessments for optimal student engagement and outcomes.
and guide the creation of and strategies. By considering learners' cognitive limitations and targeting different levels of thinking, instructors can design lessons that promote deep and accommodate diverse learner needs.
Instructional Design Models and Frameworks
Systematic Approaches to Instructional Design
Top images from around the web for Systematic Approaches to Instructional Design
9.13: The ADDIE Model - Business LibreTexts View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
breaks down instructional design process into 5 phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation
ADDIE model provides a structured, iterative approach to designing effective instruction
emphasizes aligning learning objectives, instructional activities, and assessments to create a cohesive learning experience
Constructive alignment helps ensure that students are actively engaged in learning activities that support the desired learning outcomes
Designing Instruction with the Learner in Mind
Backward design starts with identifying desired learning outcomes, then determining acceptable evidence of learning, and finally planning learning experiences and instruction
Backward design prioritizes the end goal of student learning and works backwards to create instruction that supports those goals
Cognitive load theory considers the limitations of working memory and aims to manage cognitive load during learning
Cognitive load theory distinguishes between intrinsic (inherent complexity of the material), extraneous (presentation of the material), and germane (processing and constructing schemas) cognitive loads
Instructional designers can use strategies like information, providing worked examples, and using multimedia principles to manage cognitive load (, )
Learning Objectives and Taxonomies
Defining Learning Objectives
Learning objectives clearly state what students should know or be able to do by the end of a lesson, module, or course
Well-written learning objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound ()
Learning objectives help guide instructional design decisions and communicate expectations to students
Effective learning objectives use action verbs to describe observable and measurable behaviors (explain, analyze, create)
Classifying Learning Objectives with Taxonomies
Bloom's taxonomy is a framework for classifying learning objectives into levels of complexity and specificity
Bloom's taxonomy includes six levels: , understanding, , , , and
The revised Bloom's taxonomy uses action verbs to describe each level (remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, create)
Instructional designers can use Bloom's taxonomy to create learning objectives that target different levels of cognitive processing
Aligning learning objectives with appropriate levels of Bloom's taxonomy helps ensure that instruction and assessment are designed to support the desired level of learning (lower-order thinking skills vs. higher-order thinking skills)
Instructional Strategies
Selecting Appropriate Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies are techniques used to facilitate learning and support students in achieving learning objectives
Effective instructional strategies are based on learning theories, consider learner characteristics and needs, and align with learning objectives
Examples of instructional strategies include , , , and
Instructional designers should select strategies that actively engage students, provide opportunities for practice and feedback, and promote deep understanding
Accommodating Diverse Learners
involves providing temporary support structures to help students progress towards mastery of a skill or concept
Instructional scaffolding can include techniques like modeling, providing prompts or cues, and gradually releasing responsibility to the learner
involves tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of individual learners
Differentiation can involve modifying content (what students learn), process (how students learn), product (how students demonstrate their learning), or learning environment
Strategies for differentiation include using flexible grouping, providing choice in assignments or products, and using tiered assignments that vary in complexity (learning contracts, choice boards)