Instructional Strategies Concept Paper - Essay Example

Denny Clifford Case Explain the challenges faced by the instructional designer in the case, using  concepts and terms provided in the text, specifically: ◦Learner characteristics Denny have several challenges that he has to overcome for him to effectively design an instructional program for his client Cynthia Oakes. The biggest challenge he has to overcome is the differences of orientation towards teaching and learning between Denny and Cynthia. Denny’s background is from the military where there are right and wrong answers for every problem whereas with Cynthia, she is more into a constructivist approach where the process of learning is more important than providing the right or wrong answer.

Second, Cynthia has not given Denny a clear objective about his job. Denny was used to a clearly defined learning objective and having a vague instruction is giving him difficulty in doing the job.2. Summarize at least three (3) instructional strategies that would be appropriate for this case. Before drafting any instructional strategies, Denny has first to be acquainted with the epistemological framework of which Cynthia Oakes operates – which is the constructivist approach. Constructivism is ongoing meaning-making through authentic engagement- remains a useful idea for learners and instructors at all levels of educations and training (Reiser & Dempsey, 2012).

This is to ensure that they speak the same language and able to design the instruction program to the satisfaction of the stakeholders. This would entail needs analysis, research, interview and a lot of resourcefulness on the part of Denny.Second, Denny has to craft a program that is consistent with the constructivist approach which engages learners in a process of inquiry and activity instead of providing the right answer. Denny’s program has to generate multiple ideas and answer from his students in solving a certain problem which is a valuable process of constructivist approach.

This would include tools that would facilitate discussion that promotes the process of inquiry and activity.Third, Denny has to integrate reflection as part of his strategy not only to assess the learners and the teachers but also on efficacy of the program in general. 3. Describe what you would recommend instructional designers do to gather task information from subject matter experts who are unable or unwilling to provide all the required information. When clients are vague with the instructions and objectives of a learning program, instructional designers has to be resourceful in order to “fathom” what the client really needs.

This would require extensive research on the part of the instructional designer. First, such as in the case of Dennys, requires understanding on the framework of which the client operates. In the case of Cynthia, the constructivist approach. It would help a lot if the instructional designer can view the videos on how program was implemented.The instructional designer could then dig in at the available literature about the program to understand its thrust. In Denny’s case it was the grant proposal.

Sifting through the proposal would give the instructional designer an insight about the instructional needs of the client through the justification of the project. Then one can interview the teachers about their instructional needs to have a holistic idea of what the client really needs. 4. Provide a rationale for your recommendations.The above recommendations will ensure that the instructional designer will be able to deliver the desired instructional program to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders despite the vagueness of objectives and dearth of given instruction by the client.

The stakeholders that need to be satisfied with the instructional design includes primarily, the client, the students/learners, teachers, the community in general and the instructional designer himself/herself.ReferenceReiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2012). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology. (third ed., p. 45). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.