One of the first books I read about instructional design was Judith Christian-Carter’s Mastering Instructional Design in Technology Based Training (CIPD, 2001).
Title aside, it is a useful book and a really practical starting point for any instructional designer. Inevitably somewhat dated now, the book includes a list of ‘adult learning principles’ that are still relevant, so I thought I would share some of them here.
The full list makes a great checklist for reviewing quality for instructional designers.
1. Make the learning problem-centred
Most adults are motivated to learn when the training content is addressing a problem, such as something they need to do better in the workplace, or when something new is going to be introduced that they have to get to grips with. If people can see the relevance of what they are doing they are more likely to learn effectively.
2. Ensure the learning has immediate application
It is important that the content can be seen to have immediate application. Some learning, such as gaining a qualification can be regarded as having a high degree of deferred gratification attached to it, however work-based training needs to be far more ‘right here, right now’. If the content does not appear to have any immediate application, people can become bored, frustrated or disillusioned.
3. Build on previous experience
One of the main differences between children and adults is that the latter bring with them a considerable amount of experience. Even when something completely new needs to be learned it is short sighted to treat the recipients as ‘empty vessels’. By building on what people know and can already do, you will help them feel valued and able to internalise their learning more easily.
4. Follow whole-part-whole learning protocol
This is to do with how people build up important concepts and an overall picture or schema of a particular subject or area of content. Although not all people are the same, most people benefit from being presented with a complete picture, then moving to some detail in relation to a part of it, back to the whole picture again, and so on. The extent to which the subject itself should be broken down into component parts and the number of parts required depends on the nature of the content, its conceptual structure and its level of complexity.
5. Provide clear instructions
Clear instructions are very important so that every learner knows what they are expected to do and when.
6. Give feedback
Imagine for one moment what it would feel like to complete a training programme where you received no feedback. Wouldn’t you hate it? Most of us want, indeed demand, some form of feedback to know how well we are doing, and to know in what ways we need to improve.
7. Provide different learning paths
This is not about learning styles. It is about providing people with some choice and, where appropriate, different opportunities by means of which they can undertake their learning. This can start with letting people choose their own route through the programme to providing different forms of additional support where needed. This isn’t the complete list, just my favourite bits. What instructional design checklists do you use? Please share!