Instructional Design Models and Components

Several models of instructional design exist. One of the most famous is Dick and Carey's Model for designing instruction. In this diagram, each component focuses on one aspect of the design process. However, note that the steps can be developed concurrent with each other. In the Kemp Model, the process allows for a designer to begin just about anywhere, because all of the steps are intertwined.

Click here for a printer-friendly version of Dick and Carey's Model

Click here for a printer-friendly version of Kemp's Model

No matter which model you ascribe to, common to all instructional design models – whether for a traditionally taught class or a distance education course – are the following questions that must be answered:

• For whom is the program being developed? (nature of the learners)
• What do you want the individual to learn or be able to do? (objectives)
• How is the subject content or skills best learned? (teaching/learning methods and activities with resources)
• How do you determine the extent to which the learning has been achieved? (evaluation)

As has been noted, instructional design models have common components. The processes we will discuss on this trip are based on the following questions: 

• What is the need for the educational program?
• What are the goals and objectives?
• Who will be the learners?
• What will be the subject content (message)?
• What teaching methods and technology (media) will be used?
• How will learners be assessed and how will a course or lesson's instructional design be evaluated and improved?

NOTE: You may go to each topic indicated above by clicking on the direct link, OR you may start on needs assessment link (below) and continue to each subsequent topic in sequence.


Let's start with needs assessments.

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