Reflection Paper

Reflection Paper
Abbie Weispfenning
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Instructional Design Certificate Program
Trends & Issues in Instructional Design
February 26, 2016

Reflection Paper

Reflection Paper
After completing the Trends and Issues in Instructional Design course, I was able to
expand my knowledge of the Instructional Design field. I gained a deeper understanding of the
many instructional design models and learning theories that are used in the ID field. The
portfolio project required for the course was able to provide me with real experience working
with an instructional design model to create a training program that will be implemented at my
current company. Throughout this paper I will discuss my reflections on the portfolio project as
well as my thoughts on the field of instructional design.
Portfolio Project Reflection
The topic I chose for my portfolio project was Exploring Leadership. I was able to use the
Morrison, Ross & Kemp (MRK) Model to help guide me in the creation of this training program.
Using this ID model helped me to think about all the different factors that have an effect on the
success of the training program.
ID Model
When using the MRK Model, there were many decisions I had to make such as:
What the aim of the training was going to be
Who the target audience would be
What delivery method to use
What learning theories would apply to the audience
What motivational theories should be utilized
How to cater to a diverse audience
What type of task analysis should be conducted
What the instructional goal was going to be
What the learning objectives were (terminal and enabling)
Through this process, I have learned that instructional design is both an art and a science. It is
important to be able to use creativity when designing instruction but is equally important that the
designer uses a systematic process to design the instruction to ensure the training is needed and

Reflection Paper

will be effective. If the training is needed, then it is important to follow an ID model and treat it
as a systemic process to produce the best results.
Motivation & Learning Theories/Models
When designing the Exploring Leadership training, I learned through this course that it is
important to reference motivational theories and learning theories that will be applicable to the
audience to produce an effective training. There are several theories/models I chose to integrate
into my training such as: K.P. Crosss Characteristics of Adults as Learners (CAL) model,
Jerome Bruners Constructivist Theory, Albert Banduras Social Learning Theory, and John
Kellers ARCS model of motivational design. I chose these particular theories and models
because I felt they would be most applicable to my adult audience that would be attending the
training. These theories have taught me that adults learn best when they can relate the new
material to their past experiences and also when they are able to observe and model others
behaviors (Constructivist & Social Learning, 2015). When I think about how I learn, I can relate
to all of these learning theories and I know I retain information better when these theories are
implemented in the learning.
Task Analysis & Learner Characteristics
When working through the MRK model, I completed a task analysis and listed out all the
characteristics of the learners who would be participating in my training. These two tasks had a
large impact on the project as a whole. After completing the task analysis this greatly helped to
create a framework to refer to as a guide for the instruction. Determining the learner
characteristics helped to determine the learning theories that would be applicable to the
participants. Both of these tasks affect how the training will be delivered, structured, and
retained.

Reflection Paper

Instructional Design Field Reflection

This course gave me a great introduction to the instructional design field. I was able to
gain a lot knowledge about the instructional design process and the skills and abilities that will
be needed to be successful in the field.
Concepts/Ideas Gained
The most valuable concept/idea that I gained from this course it understanding that not all
performance problems can be solved through training. I learned that it is critical for instructional
designers to be able to recognize the performance problem and determine if training is the
appropriate solution. I never thought about this previously but thinking about this before starting
any training program can help save the company time and money.
Activities
One of the most valuable activities I completed during this course, was conducting a task
analysis and more specifically a topic analysis. This taught me how to work with a subject matter
expert to collect the content needed to create training. I found this process to be very helpful in
creating a framework for how to structure the training.
ID Impact
This course has provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I will be able to apply to
my current position. As a Learning and Development Coordinator, I am able to help create
training programs and having the knowledge gained from this course will help me to be more
successful in designing these programs. I will now be able to reference ID models and
learning/motivational theories when creating trainings which will help lead to better training
results. I now understand the importance of defining the performance problem, the aim/goal of
the training, and the learning objectives. I will also make sure to consider the characteristics of
the learners involved in the training as well as any contextual characteristics. This knowledge is

Reflection Paper

going to improve my abilities as an instructional designer and help me to produce successful

training programs.
Questions & Concerns
The one concern I have about using instructional design is that there are a lot of theories
and models to remember and it can be a bit overwhelming. However, this course has provided
me with a lot of helpful websites and resources I will be able to reference to help jog my memory
of the theories and models.
Further Learning
This course has provided me with a great introduction to the field of instructional design
and walked me through the process of information gathering for starting a training program. I am
still very eager to learn more about how to create effective training content. Whether that is
through creating supporting documents for a live training session or full e-learning trainings. I
am looking forward to learning more about how to unleash the creative side of instructional
design.
Conclusion
Overall, I found this course to be extremely helpful. Working through the course design
document helped me to think through the instructional design model and take into consideration
all the outside factors that are going to affect the success of the training. I also gained several
helpful resources and tools from this course that I will be able to take with me and use in the
future.

Reflection Paper

References
Constructivist Theory (Jerome Bruner). (2015). Retrieved February 23, 2016, from
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html
Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura). (2015). Retrieved February 23, 2016, from
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-learning.html