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First Principles of Instruction

M. David Merrill reviewed instructional design theories to identify common principles. He devised the following five principles.

  1. Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems.
  2. Learning is promoted when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge.
  3. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner.
  4. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is applied by the learner.
  5. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is integrated into the learner’s world.

 

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FAQs

Merrill proposed learning is promoted when instruction:

  1. Is problem-centred.
  2. Activates existing knowledge.
  3. Includes demonstrations.
  4. Provides opportunities for application.
  5. Supports integration into the real world.

David Merrill reviewed instructional design theories to identify common principles. He devised the following five principles:

  1. Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems.
  2. Learning is promoted when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge.
  3. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner.
  4. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is applied by the learner.
  5. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is integrated into the learner’s world.

The goal of Merrill’s principles of instruction is to provide five principles that can be applied when designing any program or practice to achieve effective and efficient instruction. Merrill established these principles by studying various instructional design theories and models to identify a number of principles common to each.

Instructional design principles are used to guide the creation of effective, engaging and efficient learning solutions. Merrill’s first principles of instruction can be applied when designing any program or practice to increase learning.

The five components of Merrill’s first principles of instruction are:

  1. Problem-centred
  2. Activation
  3. Demonstration
  4. Application
  5. Integration

What is instructional design?

Instructional design is not just about transferring information; it’s about transforming the learning experience.

In a nutshell

At its core, instructional design is about creating systematic, efficient and impactful learning experiences. It ensures that every piece of content fits perfectly into the learner’s journey, building knowledge, understanding and skills step by step.

An informed approach

Rooted deeply in cognitive science and educational psychology, instructional design takes cues from decades of research. The goal? Understand how the human mind absorbs and retains knowledge most effectively.

The ADDIE Model

This is the robust five-step methodology that guides the instructional design process:

  • Analyse: Understand the learner’s needs and objectives.
  • Design: Plan the learning experience meticulously.
  • Develop: Craft the actual learning materials.
  • Implement: Deliver the content to the learners.
  • Evaluate: Measure the effectiveness and iterate for continuous improvement.

 

Role of the Instructional Designer

They are the architects of the learning experience. Their task is to analyse learner needs, define educational outcomes, and curate content that resonates and engages.

Dynamic and adaptive designs

Every industry, project, and audience beckons a tailor-made approach. Imagine interactive eLearning for tech giants or immersive workshops for creatives—the techniques are as varied as the learners. Plus, with innovations like AR or gamified modules, we’re on a continuous learning evolution! In essence, instructional design is like a chameleon, ever-adapting and keeping things fresh, ensuring every learning experience isn’t just informative, but also irresistibly engaging!

To sum it up…

Instructional design is where innovation meets education. Through a blend of research, creativity, and feedback, it crafts experiences that don’t just inform, but inspire and engage.

Learn more

Click on the links below to learn more about instructional design.

Effective learning design the today’s workplace

Infograghic showing learners preferences in a modern workplace

ADDIE model of instructional design

Instructional Design Australia (IDA) draws on the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design when delivering its learning design services to clients across Australia.  Watch the video below to learn more on how IDA applies the ADDIE model.

Our services

Instructional Design and Learning Design

A comprehensive yet flexible instructional design service advising on course design, architecture and creating learning materials, including eLearning, to meet the learning objectives and the needs of the organisations.

Instructional Design Courses and Templates

Participants will not only have learned about Instructional Design, they will have applied the knowledge and skills to create their own set of learning materials. Instructional Design Templates are included in every course.

Instructional Designer Placement

Flexible placement and engagement models to suit your organisations requirements. We have pool of experience Instructional Designers and Learning Designers ready to start your project.

 

Need creative and skilled IDs for your project? We have 40+ experienced Instructional Designers and Learning Developers to help you create an engaging, efficient and effective learning solution. Select this image to learn more.

 

Who we work with

Articles on instructional sesign

What Our Clients Say

IDA consistently exceeds our expectations. Their learner-focused approach have turned made programs fun and effective! We’ve received outstanding feedback from the participants. Thanks IDA!

Avi

I’m so happy to have found Instructional Design Australia to design and develop our bespoke learning program. We wanted to create a program consisting of online learning, face-to-face workshops and on-the-job training. IDA aced it! We’re extremely happy with the end product.

Emily

IDA was a pleasure to work with – excellent communication, great attention to detail, fantastic ideas for hands-on engaging learning whilst meeting our tight deadlines. We are looking forward to working with IDA on future projects.

Giulia

Make an enquiry

Instructional Design Australia (IDA) provides services to support workplace learning and change. With team members in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth IDA will enable your people to engage, learn and perform.

Contact Details

Office
E: info@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 1300 528 736

Michael Peart
E: michael@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 0434 075 231

Bianca Schimizzi
E: bianca@discoverlearning.com.au
Ph: 0416 013 623

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