As I read the article by Ertmer and Newby (2013), it became apparent to me that while using the appropriate theory for the specific task can be detrimental to the learners and how they master the tasks at hand; figuring out where learners are situated on a scale of novice to expert is maybe even more important. To design learning using one of these theories; importance is placed on the skill level of the learners prior to the learning itself. A needs analysis of the learners is required in order to determine the skill level of each of the learners and then a decision can be made regarding the best approach. In this case, what struck me is that empathy for the learners is maybe the most important part of instructional design and design thinking; yet it seems we overlook this critical aspect when designing learning. We make large assumptions about the learners which can lead to inadequate learning objectives and learning outcomes. The neglect of the learners in my experience almost always leads to ineffective training. Involving the learners in the process would allow instructional designers to gain invaluable information about the learners; the relevant theory to apply to the specific tasks assigned to the learners would be much easier to decipher.
References
Ertmer, P., & Newby, T. (2013 Online). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2), 43-71.
January 18, 2018 at 2:13 pm
Hi Andrea,
Great post, in regards to your comment “A needs analysis of the learners is required in order to determine the skill level of each of the learners and then a decision can be made regarding the best approach”…I too agree that this should be the first (and maybe most important) step in designing learning specific for your learners. I have found in my experience however, that administration is unwilling to pay for the time it takes to customize learning. A one size fits most approach seems to be the way of things (at least where I work).
Have you noticed this?
January 19, 2018 at 5:21 pm
Yes, it does seem to be a one-sized fits all approach.. the challenge is going to be how to change this way of thinking and delivering quality training in a more personalized manner which is in itself a challenge.. lots to think about
January 19, 2018 at 11:34 am
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for your ideas here. I wholeheartedly agree. Needs of learners and prior knowledge/competency seem to be at the core of most instructional design practices. The thing that is still emerging for me, and is rarely mentioned in these articles is — What techniques are used to determine these needs?
In my experience with needs assessment as an instructor, many students just fill out the forms because they have to. When they are asked to elaborate, they only really touch the surface. Similarly, the concept of reflection and turning the mirror back on oneself is foreign to many, and without training on how to do it, many have trouble being specific about what they need to improve on.
Perhaps we can gather some insight from our greater cohort on how people have done this successfully, as we all try to use what we’ve learned in our own contexts? Food for thought.
January 19, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Absolutely, there is much to think about in terms of needs analysis and typically you are correct that individuals are not always forth coming with what those needs actually are at the heart of the training issue. I find it is sometimes easier to start with the end goal and what users are expected to accomplish and work backwards on how they get to that end goal. Great post and certainly food for thought.
January 21, 2018 at 5:08 pm
I have truly come to realize that, yes I have overlooked the basic principles of empathy when it comes to design instruction and curriculum development. This summer I am planning an overhaul of the program I coordinate, to implement Design Thinking as one of its main principles and frameworks. The focus is to teach the student Design Thinking, empathy, problems solving and collaboration. The future goal is for them to take their media design to the next levels. This was an eye-opening course and a great micro-article you wrote Andrea.
Darin