What is Designing Instruction?

Instruction can take on many different forms; however, with any form of instruction, the design can be a daunting task. So what does it mean to design instruction? We see instruction given in the form of posters, signs, videos, face-to-face classes, online classes, and the list goes on. However, in order for the instruction to be effective, sound principles of design must be incorporated. As I have learned about instructional design this semester, I have realized that these principles can also be applied to preparing lessons in the classroom. Without proper planning, the lessons would not be as powerful.

With any planning, the first step is to determine what the problem is that needs to be addressed. To do this, an analysis must be conducted. Through the analysis, the needs of the learner are identified. Once these needs are determined, then the design of the instruction can begin. In the design process, the goals and objectives will be identified. Then it is time to develop the instruction. The designer must look at the audience and the environment to decide what type of instruction should be created. During the development of the instruction, careful attention must be paid to the details of aligning the activities to the goals and objectives. Also, how mastery of the goals and objectives will be assessed must also be identified. Finally, it is time to see how the design is going to work through the implementation of the instruction. Once the implementation has occurred, it is time to go back and evaluate the instruction so that the design of future instruction will be enhanced.

What skills must an individual possess in order to design instruction professionally? I believe there are several skills a designer must have. First, the designer must have great communication skills to be able to design what is best for their client. The designer must know the questions to ask of their client to get valid information for the design.  Next, the designer must have organizational skills. As data is collected through analysis of the situation and through interviews with their client, the designer must be able to organize and use the data to enhance the design of the instruction. Additionally, the designer must be flexible. When working with a client, activities, assessments, or even the flow of the instruction may need to be changed to fit the needs of the client or the students. Finally, the designer must be proactive in the design. In other words, they must always think and work ahead to minimize delays in completing the design of the instruction.

In addition to the skills mentioned above, the designer must also be able to understand the material to be taught in the instruction. They may need to rely on their client to be the master of the material, but the designer must know the best strategies to master the set goals and objectives. If the designer lacks the knowledge of the material to be taught, mastery of the instruction could be compromised.  Designing instruction is not a simple task. It takes diligent work, time, organization, and communication to effectively design instruction.