The Systematic Design of Instruction, Chapter 9 Summary Matthew F. Rose

23 October 2000

Developing Instructional Materials

The Instructor’s Role Individualized instruction often requires that the materials, rather than the instructors, present the content and address other areas such as the preinstructional activities and student participation. At first glance this may seem to imply that the instructor has no role in instructional development and delivery; however, the opposite is true. There are three levels of instructor involvement that depend upon the instructor’s role. The first is when the instructor takes a passive role by developing individualized materials that address all five stages of the instruction, the second is when the instructor is able to select and adapt existing materials in combination with hands-on instructional strategies, and the third is when the instructor actively delivers all the instruction. The effectiveness of the latter type of instruction is diminished by the inability of the instructor to both present information and facilitate individual learning.

Strategy and Materials Selection

After the strategy has been selected, appropriate materials must also be selected; it is cost and time efficient to select and adapt existing materials. Materials are evaluated in light of the instructional strategy according to the following ten criteria: 1. The material addresses motivational concerns 2. The material includes appropriate content 3. The content is sequenced appropriately 4. All the required information is available 5. The material includes practice exercises 6. The material provides adequate feedback 7. The material contains appropriate test items 8. The material includes adequate follow-up directions 9. The material provides adequate learner guidance 10. The material provides support for memorization and transfer

Instructional Packages

If no adequate materials exist, the instructional designer must develop an instructional package. An instructional package should include the following: 1. Instructional materials, which contain the information necessary for student

achievement of objectives. 2. Tests—both pretest and posttest, which may be partially included within the

instructor’s manual. 3. Instructor’s manual, which often provides a general description of the total package as

well as instructions and tests. Instructional Strategy & Learner Analysis

Learner characteristics must be considered before the development process begins. The best approach to this is actual on-site observation of the learners; in any case, the designer should understand the learners to the greatest extent possible so as to determine things such as how to chunk instruction, how to use illustrations, and what types of models should be used to shape attitudes. Once these characteristics are determined, development can begin. However, it is important to note two things: 1. While there is no specific method for instructional development, it is recommended that

a very rough draft be composed first for evaluative purposes. 2. Written instruction should be straightforward, humorous, and concise, with the

vocabulary at an appropriate level, and the layout visually effective.