Instructional design is a core component of education and training, providing a systematic approach to creating compelling, engaging learning experiences. Educators and instructional designers have several methods to choose from when crafting learning materials, such as ADDIE, Dick and Carey and SAM, each with its own strengths, challenges and best uses.
Having a thorough understanding of each model and its process allows professionals to select the appropriate method and create instructional materials that best align with learner’s needs and project objectives. Programs like Youngstown State University’s online Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Digital Teaching and Learning equip students with the knowledge to select and apply these methods in real-world scenarios. This guide explores each model to help educators and designers make informed decisions and develop impactful experiences that ensure successful learner outcomes.
What Is Instructional Design?
Instructional design is the process of creating educational experiences such as courses, training programs and instructional materials. It follows a systematic approach that involves analyzing learning needs, designing instructional materials and evaluating their effectiveness through development, implementation and assessment.
Professionals in this field apply learning theory, design principles and performance data to create materials that are effective, engaging and aligned with learners’ unique needs. Following a systematic, structured process ensures that the training is consistent and reliable, providing clear, high-quality instruction across organizations, schools or educational environments.
The ADDIE Model: A Foundation for Instructional Design
The ADDIE model is an instructional design framework for creating effective training materials. It follows a five-phase process, including:
- Analysis: Identifying the learning problem, needs of the audience and potential constraints to determine the appropriate training solution.
- Design: Planning the learning experience, objectives, content, assessment methods and overall strategy.
- Development: Creating learning materials, such as videos, modules or presentations, and choosing the delivery method.
- Implementation: Providing learners with training, configuring systems and crafting a rollout plan for the materials.
- Evaluation: Using ongoing and post-training assessments to ensure goals are met and make revisions if necessary.
The ADDIE model is widely used across industries because of its flexible, structured approach and transparent framework. While its systematic process provides clear guidance for instructional designers, its linear approach can be time-consuming and lead to delays if issues arise later on in the process.
Dick and Carey Systems Approach Model
The Dick and Carey Systems Approach Model is a 10-step process for designing instructional materials that focuses on the connection between learning goals, instructional strategies and assessments, emphasizing the need for continuous evaluation and revision. The 10 steps include:
- Identifying instructional goals to determine the needs of learners.
- Conducting instructional analysis to break down goals into clear components.
- Analyzing learners and contexts by studying demographics and characteristics of the learning environment.
- Writing performance objectives and measurable goals for each element.
- Developing assessment instruments, such as tests to measure the achievement of each objective.
- Developing instructional strategy, including pre-instruction, instruction practice, feedback, testing and follow-up.
- Selecting materials such as manuals, guides or media.
- Designing evaluation methods to gather feedback for improvement.
- Revising the instructional materials based on evaluation data.
- Conducting a final assessment of overall instructional effectiveness.
Many organizations follow the Dick and Carey Systems Approach Model to ensure that training materials are comprehensive, detail-oriented and well-aligned across components. By emphasizing continuous analysis and revision, professionals create effective instructional materials that achieve strong learner outcomes. While it’s comprehensive, it can be complex and time-intensive, making it challenging for quick or fast-paced projects.
The SAM Model: Agile Instructional Design
The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an iterative approach to instructional design that involves rapid prototyping, continuous feedback and constant revisions throughout the development process. Instead of following a linear approach, like in the ADDIE or Dick and Carey models, professionals who use SAM focus on three core phases:
- Preparation: Gathering information about learners, content and learning needs to define instructional materials goals.
- Iterative design: Creating prototypes or drafts of materials and reviewing them with stakeholders.
- Iterative development: Developing full versions of the materials, testing them with learners and continuously evaluating to revise the content and improving effectiveness.
The SAM model is often used in fast-paced environments thanks to its flexibility, rapid feedback and ability to adapt quickly to learner needs. Its iterative approach allows designers to refine materials continuously, but the less-structured process can be challenging for beginners and time-consuming if multiple cycles are needed.
Choosing the Right Instructional Design Model
Selecting the correct instructional design method depends on key factors such as the project complexity, timeline, resources and team expertise. Designers must carefully evaluate the learner’s needs and context to choose a model that aligns with the project’s goals, constraints and desired outcome. The most common uses of each model include:
- ADDIE model: Structured, comprehensive programs that require a step-by-step approach to ensure alignment between objectives, content and assessment.
- Dick and Carey Systems Approach Model: Complex learning programs that require detailed analysis and constant evaluation to ensure all components work together and are effective.
- SAM: Fast-paced projects that need rapid prototyping and ongoing revisions to align with learner needs.
Completing formal education, like Youngstown State University’s online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Digital Teaching and Learning program, equips professionals with the skills to assess instructional needs and select the most appropriate model for a project. With a thorough understanding of the processes, strengths and challenges of each method, they can make informed decisions that maximize learning effectiveness and ensure the materials match the learner’s needs and project goals.
Create Impactful Learning Experiences with YSU’s online M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Digital Teaching and Learning Program
Understanding various instructional design models, including ADDIE, Dick and Carey and SAM, allows instructional designers to select the best method for any learning experience. Choosing the right model will enable professionals to craft compelling, impactful learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of learners across organizations and other educational environments.
YSU’s online M.S.Ed. in Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Digital Teaching and Learning program provides students with a strong foundation of theory and practice, equipping them with the skills to design practical, engaging learner experiences. Through virtual coursework, students learn how to apply instructional design theory to real-world scenarios, develop digital learning methods and leverage technology to support student development. In as little as 12 months, graduates can advance their careers and take on impactful roles as digital learning specialists, e-learning developers or instructional coordinators.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s Digital Teaching and Learning program.
