Instructional Design

Instructional Design (ID) is the foundation of Human Performance Technology (HPT). The field of Instructional Design includes several theories and models. No matter which model you chose, the core concepts can be summarized in the traditional construct known as the ADDIE model. The acronym ADDIE stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate. This simple yet thorough methodology defines the major phases undertaken in any instructionally sound project.

A high-level summary of the ADDIE methodology follows:

Analyze

This is the most significant step in the methodology. The Analyze phase includes such activities as identifying the probable cause(s) for the performance gap and determining the project goals. All research findings and conclusions are documented in a report to the client. Recommendations are outlined, including the performance issues, the instructional goals the training program will address, a profile of the target audience and the resources needed to successfully complete the project. It may also contain the estimated costs and time lines for the project. This document should receive signature approval by the client before the project proceeds.

Design

This is when the ID team conducts the task inventory (knowledge / cognitive tasks, skill / motor tasks, attitude / motivation tasks and procedure / sequence of tasks.) This inventory produces the training content for the project. The scope and sequence of the content is defined. Prerequisites, training objectives and testing strategies are also determined. Basically, it is during the Design phase that the ID team creates a blueprint for your training program.

This phase also produces a formal document that is reviewed and approved by the client.

Develop

It is during the Development phase that the instructional strategies are generated. According to Robert Gagne ("The Conditions of Learning", 1985) there are nine events needed for effective learning. Gagne taught that all training should include these events.

- Gain Attention
- Inform Learners of the Objectives
- Stimulate Recall of Prior Learning
- Present the Stimulus (Content)
- Provide Learner Guidance
- Elicit Performance
- Provide Feedback
- Assess Performance
- Enhance Retention and Transfer (Closure)

Using an on-going formative evaluation process, revisions are made to the instructional materials. A pilot test may be conducted during this phase of the project.

Implement

This is when an Implementation plan is drawn up. It outlines how and when the learners are made aware of the class schedule, how the facilitator should prepare for the class and the agenda for the Train-the-Trainer session. As with all previous phases, this information is reviewed and approved by the client.

Evaluate

Evaluation assesses the quality of the instructional materials before and during the Implementation phase. Evaluation permeates the entire ID process and guides the post-development activities.

In 1959 Donald Kirkpatrick authored a series of articles which were published in ASTD's "Training and Development" journal. The concepts addressed in these articles ultimately became known as Kirkpatrick's Four Level of Evaluation.

Kirkpatrick's Four Level of Evaluation are:

Level 1 - Reactions
Level 2 - Learning
Level 3 - Transfer
Level 4 - Results

Basically, evaluations ask four questions. Did they like it? Did they learn as a result of it? Will they use their newly acquired skills / knowledge back on the job? Will it matter?

Summary

PrimeMedia understands that successful training does not happen in a vacuum. Stakeholders and management from multiple areas of your organization must be involved, not just the training department. From the executive level, to the line management, the supervisors, coaches and the human resource department -- all must comprehend the importance of training and support it fully.

When you are ready to improve the quality of your training programs give PrimeMedia a call. We have the knowledge, skills and experience to design and develop a quality custom training solution for you. Options include paper-based materials, self-paced or instructor-mediated training guides, video or computer or web based solutions. Whether it's redesigning your existing materials or designing a completely new program, call us at 303.755.9513 or email us at sales@primemedia.com.