Of course, it makes sense to have a formula for an effective training. The author calls it "Instructional Systems Design (ISD)".If one uses a systematic process to develop one's training, one can guarantee learning outcomes. (Clark, 1989). There are several stages to the training: 1. needs analysis, 2. task analysis, 3. definition of learning objectives, 4. development of assessment, 5. development of learning materials, 6, try-out, with revision, 7. implementation of the final product.
The four ingredients of instruction: 1. The information - what has to be taught? 2. The performance outcome - what does the student need to achieve once the information has been taught? 3. The instructional methods - what is the best way to develop the information? 4. The instructional media - what are the most effective ways to deliver the information.
This all seems so logical, yet so often we are in classes which have not followed these simple formulas and have been extremely wasteful of everyone's time and energy. I realize that ,when I am creating my manual for Challenge Based learning, that I need to follow the guidelines described by Clark in chapters one and two. I want my manual to be logical, understandable,and very easy to follow. I see that I need to take the time to create a template to follow as I do my writing. I also see that I need to keep these tips in mind every time I create a lesson in my classroom.
The ARCS article was brief but so positive. I am so encouraged and validated, in some ways, by the simplicity of the concept. I have always tried to maintain those ideas in my teaching, but is easy to forget that when you have lost the attention of the students, it is next to impossible to get it back. Also, if you are teaching things that have nothing to do with their lives, they are not going to learn as easily. If you do not instill confidence in students, they will languish. Lastly, satisfaction is vital for both the students and the teachers. Everyone must feel listened to and honored.
I have learned a great deal from both readings.