Education: Instructional Design Models

Martin Ryder has compiled a comprehensive and instructive list of instructional design models.

"Models, like myths and metaphors, help us to make sense of our world. Whether derived from whim or from serious research, a model offers its user a means of comprehending an otherwise incomprehensible problem. An instructional design model gives structure and meaning to an I.D. problem, enabling the would-be designer to negotiate her design task with a semblance of conscious understanding. Models help us to visualize the problem, to break it down into discrete, manageable units.

"The value of a specific model is determined within the context of use. Like any other instrument, a model assumes a specific intention of its user. A model should be judged by how it mediates the designer's intention, how well it can share a work load, and how effectively it shifts focus away from itself toward the object of the design activity."

Source: Instructional Design Models

The defintion referenced in the work:

Instructional Design is the systematic development of instructional specifications using learning and instructional theory to ensure the quality of instruction. It is the entire process of analysis of learning needs and goals and the development of a delivery system to meet those needs. It includes development of instructional materials and activities; and tryout and evaluation of all instruction and learner activities.

fail! This is because the defintions put the focus on the instruction rather than on the learning. I suggest the definition above be modified:

Instructional Design is the systematic development of instructional materials using learning and instructional theory to ensure that the highest possible quality of learning takes place. It is the entire process of analysis of learning needs, setting of goals, the development of a delivery and support system, design and production of appropriate materials and the use of coherent instructional strategies to meet the needs of the learner. It includes tryout and evaluation of all instruction and learner activities.

Ryder links to the useful A Brief History of Instructional Design by Douglas Leigh.

Another useful compendium of instructional design models has been prepared by Clyde Bassett.