Instructional Design

Instructional design is a process of creating "instructional experiences which make the acquisition of knowledge and skill more efficient, effective, and appealing" (Merrill et al., 1996). To this end, various instructional design models have been constructed through research and practice. These include but are not limited to, models such as: 

Backward Design, sometimes referred to as UbD, is an approach introduced by Wiggins & McTighe in Understanding by Design (1998). It emphasizes what is learned rather than how it is taught. The three steps are: 

• Identify desired results – What should learners be able to do? 
• Determine acceptable evidence – How will you know they can do those things? 
• Design-related experiences – What experiences can you construct to help build/elicit those skills or products? 
  
  

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

UDL is a framework that emerged from neuroscience research, emphasizing the what, how, and why of learning by designing flexible learning environments and activities that reduce barriers and accommodate individual learning needs (Rose & Meyer, 2002). More specifically, UDL stresses: 

• Multiple means of representation (what I learn) – How learners acquire knowledge. 
• Multiple means of expression (how I demonstrate learning) – How learners demonstrate knowledge. 
• Multiple means of engagement (why it is important to me) – How learners engage in the learning process.

Consultations

CMU provides instructional support to instructors via the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support. You can request a consultation related to your courses, instructional materials, and teaching methods at any time. 

References 

Merrill, M. D.; Drake, L.; Lacy, M. J.; Pratt, J. (1996). "Reclaiming instructional design" (PDF). Educational Technology. 36 (5): 5–7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-04-26.

Rose, DH, & Meyer, A (2002) Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age: Universal Design for Learning Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (1998). "What is backward design?" In Understanding by Design. (1 ed., pp. 7–19). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.