The Dick and Carey Model is a powerful instructional design framework that helps educators and trainers build effective, systematic e-learning courses, ensuring every piece of the learning puzzle fits together perfectly.
What is the Dick and Carey Model?
Let’s talk about instructional design.
You’ve probably heard about models like ADDIE or SAM Model, but what about Dick and Carey?
The Dick and Carey Model is one of the most systematic approaches out there for designing instruction. It takes you from understanding the learners and their needs, all the way to designing and evaluating effective e-learning experiences.
So, what makes this model so special?
Unlike some other instructional design models that just throw learning objectives at you and hope for the best, the Dick and Carey Model breaks things down into digestible steps.
You get to analyse, design, develop, implement, and evaluate instruction in a way that flows logically and systematically.
This means you’re not left guessing whether your e-learning module is hitting the mark. Everything is tested, revised, and then implemented with precision.
It’s not just a process—it’s a systems approach. Every component impacts the other, making the learning experience cohesive from start to finish.
Core Components of the Dick and Carey Model
Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
1. Identify Instructional Goals
The first step? Setting clear goals. What do you want the learner to achieve by the end of the course? This is where behavioural objectives come into play, similar to Robert Mager’s approach.2. Conduct Instructional Analysis
Once you know the goals, the next step is figuring out the skills, knowledge, and behaviours your learners need to meet those goals. It’s all about breaking down what’s required to succeed.3. Analyse Learners and Context
Who are your learners? What’s their current knowledge level? What kind of environment will they be learning in? This is crucial for tailoring content to meet learners where they’re at.4. Write Performance Objectives
This is where things get specific. You’ll use tools like Bloom’s Taxonomy to define exactly what you want your learners to be able to do.5. Develop Assessment Instruments
How will you measure success? Whether you use formative assessments to check understanding throughout the course, or summative assessments at the end, this step ensures you know if the instruction is working.6. Develop Instructional Strategy
Now that you know the goals, objectives, and assessments, it’s time to create a strategy. What instructional methods will you use? This could involve reading materials, quizzes, discussions, or even hands-on activities.7. Develop and Select Instructional Materials
Time to gather and create the materials that will support your instructional strategy. Whether you’re designing an e-learning course or in-person training, this step is all about providing the right resources.8. Design and Conduct Formative Evaluation
Before you roll out your course to the masses, test it with a small group of learners. Collect feedback, revise, and make sure everything is working as intended.9. Revise Instruction
Based on your formative evaluation, tweak and improve your instructional materials and strategies.10. Design and Conduct Summative Evaluation
Finally, after delivering the course, conduct a summative evaluation to measure its overall effectiveness.How the Dick and Carey Model Transforms E-Learning
E-learning is growing. Fast.
But how do you make sure your courses are more than just fancy slideshows?
That’s where the Dick and Carey Model comes in.
This model works perfectly for online learning environments because it’s systematic. In e-learning, where distractions are plentiful, a structured approach ensures learners stay engaged and achieve the course objectives.
Why this matters for e-learning:
- Clear objectives keep learners focused.
- Strategic assessments show how well learners are absorbing content.
- Formative evaluations allow for ongoing improvements, making the course adaptable and flexible.
When you follow this process, you’re not just tossing information at your learners. Instead, you’re guiding them step by step toward mastery.
For example, applying Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction as part of your instructional strategy can improve attention, retention, and learner engagement.
Dick and Carey vs. ADDIE: What’s the Difference?
By now, you might be thinking, "Isn't this similar to ADDIE?"
Yes and no.
Both the Dick and Carey Model and ADDIE are systems approaches to instructional design, but they differ in how they break down and address each component.
- ADDIE is more of a phased process: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Dick and Carey is more of a feedback loop. Each step informs the next, and the process encourages constant iteration and improvement.
For e-learning, this iterative process can be more beneficial, allowing for ongoing refinement and updates. Courses don’t become static—they evolve based on learner feedback and performance data.
If you're curious to learn more about how ADDIE works, check out this detailed breakdown of the ADDIE model for instructional design.
Applying the Dick and Carey Model to Your Training Programs
If you’re creating an e-learning course or any form of instruction, following Dick and Carey is a solid choice.
Here’s how to get started:
- Step 1: Define Your Goals. What do you want learners to walk away with? If you’re designing a training program for customer service employees, for example, your goal might be for them to handle customer complaints effectively.
- Step 2: Break Down the Learning Process. Conduct an instructional analysis to identify the steps needed to reach that goal.
- Step 3: Know Your Audience. Are your learners new hires with no experience, or seasoned professionals needing a refresher?
- Step 4: Create Clear Objectives. Write performance objectives using behaviourally stated outcomes, similar to Robert Mager’s approach.
- Step 5: Assess, Assess, Assess. Develop formative assessments that check understanding throughout the course.
Want to explore another popular instructional design framework? Consider reading about Backward Design in E-Learning, which focuses on starting with the end goals and working backwards.
FAQs
How does the Dick and Carey Model differ from other instructional design models?
The Dick and Carey Model is a more detailed and systematic approach, breaking down each phase of the design process. It focuses on a feedback loop that constantly refines the instruction.Why is the Dick and Carey Model ideal for e-learning?
Its structured, step-by-step method aligns well with the complexities of online learning, ensuring clear objectives, assessments, and instructional strategies are in place.What are some examples of formative evaluation in e-learning?
Formative evaluations can include quizzes, feedback surveys, and pilot testing with small learner groups to gather input and make revisions.Can I use the Dick and Carey Model for in-person training?
Yes! While it's great for e-learning, the model is flexible enough to be used for traditional face-to-face instruction as well.How does the Dick and Carey Model relate to Bloom's Taxonomy?
Bloom’s Taxonomy is often used when writing performance objectives in the Dick and Carey Model to ensure clarity on what learners should achieve.What are the major challenges of using the Dick and Carey Model?
It can be time-consuming to implement, especially when compared to more flexible models like SAM. However, its thoroughness pays off with more effective instruction.Conclusion
The Dick and Carey Model offers a systematic and detailed approach to instructional design, making it particularly useful for designing effective e-learning experiences. By carefully analysing learners' needs, defining clear objectives, and conducting ongoing assessments, this model ensures that educational programs are well-structured and impactful.
