When it comes to instructional design, one question always pops up: Which model should I use?
There are so many out there—ADDIE, SAM, Bloom’s Taxonomy—that it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for your project. Each model has its strengths, and the choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s course development, eLearning, or classroom instruction.
In this article, we'll dive into the most popular instructional design models, breaking them down into bite-sized pieces so you can pick the framework that aligns with your goals. No fluff, just straightforward guidance to help you make the right decision.
ADDIE Model: The Classic Approach to Instructional Design
The ADDIE Model is one of the oldest and most widely-used frameworks in instructional design. It’s a systematic approach that includes five phases: Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate.
Phases of ADDIE
- Analyze: Understand the learners' needs, the course objectives, and any constraints.
- Design: Create a blueprint for the course, including learning objectives and content.
- Develop: Build the actual course content, activities, and assessments.
- Implement: Deliver the course, whether in-person or online.
- Evaluate: Measure the course's effectiveness through assessments and feedback.
Why ADDIE? It’s perfect for large, structured projects that need thorough planning. But, it can be a bit rigid, so if you need more flexibility, another model might be a better fit.
SAM (Successive Approximation Model): Agile and Flexible
If ADDIE feels too rigid, the SAM Model might be your answer. SAM stands for Successive Approximation Model, and it’s all about iteration and flexibility. Created by Michael W. Allen, SAM focuses on rapid prototyping, allowing for continuous feedback and adjustments.
Why Choose SAM?
- Quick Iterations: SAM is great for projects that need to be agile. You can build, test, and tweak the design based on feedback without waiting until the end of the process.
- Collaboration: It encourages team collaboration early and often, helping avoid major rework later.
This model is ideal for fast-paced environments like eLearning or companies that need to develop and update courses on the fly. Here’s a resource for applying the SAM model in agile instructional design.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Organising Learning Objectives
If your main concern is setting clear learning objectives, Bloom’s Taxonomy should be on your radar. Developed by Benjamin Bloom, this model is a framework for categorising educational goals. It breaks down learning into three domains: Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor.
The Cognitive Domain
- Remembering: Recalling facts and basic concepts
- Understanding: Explaining ideas or concepts
- Applying: Using information in new situations
- Analyzing: Breaking down information into parts
- Evaluating: Justifying a decision or course of action
- Creating: Producing new or original work
By using Bloom’s Taxonomy, you can create structured learning outcomes that match your students’ needs and ensure that your instructional content hits all the right cognitive levels. For more on Bloom's Taxonomy, check out this in-depth article on instructional design.
Dick and Carey Model: A Systematic Process
The Dick and Carey Model is a systematic approach that treats instruction like a process. Developed by Walter Dick and Lou Carey, this model is designed to break instructional design down into small, manageable steps, making it especially helpful for large-scale instructional projects.
Key Steps in the Dick and Carey Model
- Identify instructional goals
- Conduct instructional analysis
- Analyze learners and contexts
- Write performance objectives
- Develop assessment instruments
- Develop instructional strategy
- Develop and select instructional materials
If you need a model that’s highly structured and process-driven, the Dick and Carey model might be the one. Read more about the Dick and Carey model here.
Merrill’s Principles of Instruction: Task-Centered Learning
David Merrill introduced Merrill’s Principles of Instruction, which focuses on task-based learning. Instead of diving into content first, it begins by focusing on real-world tasks and builds the learning experience around them.
Merrill’s Five Principles
- Task-Centered: Learning is problem-based.
- Activation: Activating prior knowledge before learning.
- Demonstration: Showcasing new knowledge through examples.
- Application: Encouraging learners to apply the new information.
- Integration: Helping learners integrate their new skills into their daily lives.
This model is perfect if your course or training is aimed at practical, real-world tasks and problem-solving. For more on Merrill’s task-centered approach, read this guide on Merrill’s Principles of Instruction.
Comparing the Models: Which One Fits Your Needs?
Choosing the right model depends on your goals.
- Need Structure? Go for ADDIE or Dick and Carey.
- Need Flexibility? Choose SAM or Rapid Prototyping.
- Focus on Objectives? Try Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Task-Oriented? Opt for Merrill’s Principles.
Each model serves a different purpose, so think about the outcomes you're aiming for before diving in.
FAQs
What is the ADDIE model in instructional design?
The ADDIE model is a structured, five-phase approach to course development, focusing on Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.
How does SAM differ from ADDIE?
SAM is more agile and iterative, focusing on quick prototyping and constant feedback, whereas ADDIE is more linear and structured.
Why is Bloom’s Taxonomy important?
Bloom's Taxonomy helps educators set clear, measurable learning objectives by categorizing learning into different cognitive levels.
Can I combine instructional design models?
Absolutely! Some educators mix models like ADDIE and SAM to take advantage of both structure and flexibility.
What is the main benefit of the Dick and Carey model?
The Dick and Carey model provides a step-by-step process that ensures all instructional elements are aligned with the learning objectives.
Which model is best for eLearning?
SAM and Rapid Prototyping are often preferred for eLearning because of their iterative nature and flexibility.
In instructional design, the model you choose can make or break your project. Whether you need the structure of ADDIE, the flexibility of SAM, or the focused outcomes of Bloom’s Taxonomy, the key is picking the one that aligns with your goals and the needs of your learners.
To explore more about these models and how to implement them, don't miss the linked resources throughout this article.
For further reading, check out Rapid Prototyping in Instructional Design or explore Action Mapping.
