First We Analyze

 

Analysis is the first stage, or goal-setting stage, in the ADDIE model of instructional design. In this stage, the instructional designer (ID) will investigate a course or training program to determine if any changes are needed and what the outcomes of the changes should be. This is also the stage where the learners are analyzed to determine their current level of knowledge and skill. This analysis of the learners will help ensure they are not being presented instruction on something they already know, and the course can then focus on what they need to learn (Kurt, 2018). 

The table below shows seven questions that should be addressed in the Analysis phase to set the groundwork for the rest of the stages in the ADDIE model (Covello & Ritzhaupt, 2017). A review of the text and documents in the course will help address these questions (Kurt, 2018). 

Critical components of this stage that will help you answer the questions above include a needs assessment, learner analysis, context assessment, and task analysis. 

Needs Assessment 

A needs assessment is a tool used to determine the target audience’s level of knowledge, skill, or ability in the areas the course addresses. These are then compared to an established standard. This analysis can uncover whether the course addresses the needs of the learner (Conduct training needs assessment - SHRM). 

Learner Analysis 

This tool will analyze the target audience to determine their “relevant attributes” to the course goals. Some of these attributes include existing knowledge or skills, motivation, demographic information, cultural and social characteristics, barriers such as disabilities and language, and similarities of the various learners (Covello & Ritzhaupt, 2017). 

Context Assessment

A context assessment will evaluate the environment of the course to ensure it will promote learner success. This analysis includes timeliness, when is it needed and how long should it be; the environment where will the course be held; and transfer, the application of learned content in practical application (Covello & Ritzhaupt, 2017). 

Task Analysis 

Task analysis will evaluate how tasks are performed according to the instruction. Analyzing a task helps identify physical and mental requirements to complete the task, prior knowledge required, and how the learner will identify errors (Covello & Ritzhaupt, 2017). 

Gathering Data

Data can be gathered in various ways including analyzing existing data, observation, focus groups, and tests (Covello & Ritzhaupt, 2017). Each method provides valuable information to help the ID complete a needs analysis to determine the direction the rest of the ADDIE phases will take. 

The Analyze phase of the ADDIE model is the cornerstone of the ADDIE process. The results of the processes in this phase will determine the direction the design will take. A throughout analysis of the project will help ensure the course will meet the goals of the learner.

The ADDIE Process

 

ADDIE is a five-step model or theory, that instructional designers use to develop and organize a course. The ADDIE model consists of the five steps Analyze, Design, Develop, and Implement. Each step has specific outcomes that evolve into the next step (May, 2018). The ADDIE steps are designed to be completed in order, implementing “reflection and iteration” (Quigley, 2019).

Analyze

The first step is to analyze the project and intended learners. This helps the instructional designer understand the goals of the project and identify the learners’ level of knowledge and skill. This will help establish the learner’s current knowledge and what they should know upon completion of the course. Questions should be asked to establish who the intended audience is. What are they learning and what is the desired outcome? What could hinder the final goal of the project (Kurt, 2018)?

Design

In the design phase, the instructional designer takes the results of the analysis and forms a plan for instruction. This plan will include learning objectives, determining instruction methods, course structure, assessment options, and learner feedback. Once a plan is in place you want to create a blueprint for the project implementation (Quigley, 2019).

Development

The development phase is when you “build” your project using the blueprint from the previous step. Once you have a working prototype of the course you can then test the learning outcomes to ensure your methods and means of instruction and assessment contribute to the intended outcomes (Kurt 2018).

Implementation

The implementation phase is where the instructional designer consistently reviews the course to implement needed modifications to ensure the learning outcomes are achieved by the students. The instructional designer will use feedback from the students to make necessary adjustments and additions to the course to improve the design (Kurt, 2018)

Evaluation

Evaluation is the final phase of the model. The final project undergoes final testing to ensure the overall goals and outcomes of the course are achieved. The first evaluation from the implementation phase feeds into the final evaluation for this stage at the end of the course. The results of the evaluation will determine if the goals were achieved and determine what can be improved to increase the efficiency of the course and the success rate of the learners (Kurt, 2018).

As mentioned earlier, the model is meant to be continuous and fluid after the initial process is complete. Upon evaluation, ways to improve the course can be discovered, leading to new project goals and starting the ADDIE cycle again.

References

Kurt, S. (2018, December 16). Addie Model: Instructional design. Educational Technology. Retrieved from https://educationaltechnology.net/the-addie-model-instructional-design/

May, A. (2018, March 7). Instructional design models: Comparing Addie, Bloom, Gagne, & Merrill. Dashe and Thompson. Retrieved from https://www.dashe.com/blog/instructional-design-models-comparing-addie-bloom-gagne-merrill

Quigley, E. (2019, January 7). Addie: 5 steps to effective training. LearnUpon. Retrieved from https://www.learnupon.com/blog/addie-5-steps/