M. David Merrill’s 2002 Principles of Instruction are five features he argues are key in creating effective instruction. By reviewing others’ instructional design theories and models, he determined common aspects that led to the best promotion of learning.
Five Principles of Instructional Design by David Merrill.
1. Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems.
By providing students with the context of what they’re learning and framing it through a problem-solving lens, students will be more engaged. Giving real-world examples instead of abstract ideas makes the content less intimidating and foreign.
2. Learning is promoted when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge.
If you base what you’re teaching off of something familiar, it builds a foundation to introduce new knowledge. This can lead to increased confidence in learning.
3. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner.
Demonstration of material, not just stating information, can help learners. Methods of this include: examples/non-examples, procedural demonstrations, process visualization and behavior modeling. Providing guidance and using media also can help.
4. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is applied by the learner.
As we all know, “practice makes perfect.” Giving opportunities for students to practice what they’ve learned, along with appropriate feedback, has proven to be an effective method.
5. Learning is promoted when new knowledge is integrated into the learner’s world.
Students will be motivated to learn if they are able to incorporate their learning into their life and demonstrate their skills to others. A student who can share, reflect on, and modify the knowledge they have learned will have a better learning experience.
Merrill believes creating instruction based on these five principles leads to a fruitful learning experience. Let us know what you think!
References
First Principles. (2016, March 16). [Illustration]. https://www.thinkingkaplearning.com/blog/first-principles-of-instruction-an-instructional-design-philosophy/
Merrill, M. D. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 50(3), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02505024
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