Book Review: Designing Effective Instruction

Abstract

Effective instructional design is a major prerequisite for desired learning outcomes. Even though the field of instructional design (ID) is relatively young, its multidisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature requires meticulous work to implement the most current evidence-based heuristics in instructional settings. The sixth edition of Designing Effective Instruction by G. R. Morrison, S. M. Ross, H. K. Kalman, and J. E. Kemp (Wiley, 2010, 491 pages, ISBN 13: 978-0-470-522820) serves as an invaluable source, which provides instructional designers with the essential guidance to implement these evidence-based heuristics to a variety of instructional problems appropriately. The authors are recognized scholars who have authored numerous contributive studies on instructional design and technology. Morrison has been the senior author of the book since the third edition. In the sixth edition, Kalman has joined the team. The skeleton of the book evolves from Jerrold Kemp’s early textbooks. The model presented in the book considers ID a continuous cycle of nine elements, which are supported by ongoing processes related to planning, implementation and evaluation. An emphasis on designing in business settings is observed which can be distractive for some readers; however, the approach is applicable to professionals in other settings including higher education, p-12 classrooms, and military as well as medical settings. Numerous examples based on authors’ professional experiences are provided for different settings which supports the book’s focus on the application. Moreover, various pedagogical features were included to stimulate thinking towards the goal of using the ID model for the development of effective instruction. In this regard, an appropriate balance between theory and application is provided since complex issues are integrated into the text with an easyto-follow presentation. For example, at the start of each chapter is a real-world scenario which can be used to trigger classroom discussions. Provided questions guide the readers throughout the chapters. Experiences of leading practitioners and scholars familiarize readers with the real world projects in the “Expert Edge” sections of each chapter. ‘The ID Process’ pieces show the readers how the heuristics are actually put into practice. At the end of chapters, readers are further provided with exercises and realistic problems. Last but not the least, key issues and questions regarding quality management of the ID projects are included as a separate section in many chapters. Similar to the ID model provided in the book, the organization of the chapters is somewhat flexible. Almost every chapter looks like an independent reference source in its entirety. That is, a linear reading from cover to cover is not necessary for those who are familiar with the field. On the other hand, the source can be used as a textbook for an introductory course as transitions are very effective and interrelationships between the elements of the model are highlighted very often. The authors also provide readers with suggestions on how to use the book in both