Design Approach

I would like to consider myself a learning strategist in the workplace. I want to center my work on instructional design and use the principles to evaluate the barriers to performance, provide learning support and design instruction that is learner-focused. For example, I consider the mental processes involved in learning such as Cognitive Load Theory in my design. Cognitive Load Theory leads me to use strategies such as removing irrelevant material that may be distracting and overloading memory storage, which is damaging when acquiring new knowledge (Kirschner, et al., 2009). 

Instructional Design Theory

I have received training in the major instructional design theories, but there are a couple of instructional design theories that resonate with me and they are the ADDIE Model and Gange’s Nine Events of Instruction. The ADDIE Model follows five major steps which are: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. While this is an older instructional design process, it has proven to be very effective, in my experience. I believe the Analyze phase of the design process is the most crucial phase. Every other step depends on this phase, with each phase building on the previous. With the proper attention to detail, the instructional design process needs analysis and assurance that the learning objectives will be met efficiently and effectively. Even though improvements will always be present, the overall functionality will exist with minor adjustments that will add more value.

Gange’s Nine Events of Instruction is an excellent framework to use in an eLearning environment. This theory, helps me create effective and engaging eLearning training courses since each step in is intended to further deepen the human learning process. As each step is completed, the learners are meant to become interested, engaged, and invested in the learning topic. This helps supports their understanding and motivation since each phase compliments each other, similar to the ADDIE model,  and the participants are fully immersed in the learning topic.

Summary

My philosophy of training aligns with the ADDIE Model and Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. It also understands the importance of the Cognitive Load Theory and how the implementation of strategies such as removing irrelevant materials, that are distracting and overloading the memory storage. My ultimate goal is to create engaging and effective learning experiences that will close the gap between existing and desired performance among employees within an organization. 

References:

Kirschner, P. A., Kirschner, F., & Paas, F. (2009). Cognitive load theory. Psychology of Classroom Learning, 1, 205-209.