Instructional Design Approach Research Articles

Enhancing academic performance: a shadow curriculum approach for medical and dental student preparation in basic sciences and pre-internship comprehensive exams

BackgroundThe shadow curriculum is an emerging concept in curriculum studies that has not yet garnered significant attention in medical education. It includes programs and activities outside formal education to improve students’ academic performance in the formal educational system.ObjectiveIn this study, we designed and developed an online course based on the shadow curriculum and evaluated its effect on students’ learning and academic performance.MethodsThis study represents a form of developmental research, with the study population comprising medical and dental students from universities of medical sciences in Iran. The course was conducted at the Smart University of Medical Sciences, following the ADDIE instructional design approach in three phases. The initial two phases involved designing and implementing the program according to the students’ needs and requirements. In the third phase, we evaluated the program using the Kirkpatrick model. In the first level evaluation, the reaction of 70 students in the course was investigated. To assess the impact of the course, pre and post-tests were administered to 30 students. Finally, the effect of the course on students’ success in the comprehensive exams for basic medical sciences, dentistry, and pre-internship was analyzed by examining the passing and failing statuses of 83 and 57 students who participated in the September 2023 and February 2024 exams.ResultsThe results indicated that the students responded positively to the program. The analysis of pre-test and post-test scores showed a significant improvement in the students’ academic performance across all the subjects presented in the course, including basic medical sciences, dentistry, and pre-internship (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Overall, the descriptive analysis of the program’s influence on the students’ success in comprehensive exams in basic medical sciences, dentistry, and pre-internship showed that 70 out of 83 participating students passed the September 2023 comprehensive exams. Additionally, 51 out of 57 participants completed the comprehensive exams in February 2024.ConclusionsIn an era where the shadow curriculum is reshaping learning and the educational landscape, the findings presented in this study indicate that this type of curriculum should be given special attention in the theoretical, research, and practical dimensions of the field of medical education.

A System Design Approach of Gamification for disseminating Intangible Oral Expressions of Indigenous Textile Heritage

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in using gamification to promote local intangible cultural heritage. Gamification can make cultural heritage more accessible and relatable by transforming traditional practices into interactive digital experiences. Traditional hand-woven fabrics of tribal communities of Northeast India represent their cultural expression and identity. However, industrialization and globalization have negatively affected the inheritance of the traditional weaving practice. Their traditional fabrics also carry a rich legacy of oral narratives, which are underappreciated and at risk of being lost due to lack of adequate documentation. This paper proposes a gamified system model to disseminate the oral cultural expressions associated with tribal fabrics and their textile heritage. It also integrates instructional design approach for creating a gamified learning environment for fostering cultural awareness and education among young generation of the tribal communities. This model may also offer a new approach for digitally archiving indigenous intangible cultural heritage.

AI-powered smart assistants: Your key to self-learning success

This research aims to develop a prototype of a smart assistant system for independent learning activities based on Artificial Intelligence. Web-based instructional design (WBID) approach is used in research to develop intelligent assistant systems. Artificial Intelligence-Learning Analytics helps students make important decisions and creates an effective and efficient learning environment while still building learning independence. The method used is a research and development (R&amp;D) approach. The findings of this research are an intelligent assistant system in independent learning activities assisted by artificial intelligence in the form of the AILA ChatBot application. In the end, this research concludes that the ChatBOT application developed in this research is used to provide recommendations for using AI applications to students, which are then implemented and integrated into SPOC/MOOC.

Transferable Best Practices and Mutual Learning Opportunities Between Instructional Design in Higher Education and the Corporate World

Instructional design facilitates effective learning in higher education and workplace training contexts. This paper examines the crossover between instructional design approaches in these settings. It identifies core transferable practices like defined objectives, assessment alignment, and active learning grounded in learning theories and research-based models. Differential practices suited to the unique contexts are also explored, including critical thinking in higher education and rapid iterative design in corporate learning. Finally, mutual learning opportunities are presented for how each domain can adapt select practices from the other to enhance their instructional design effectiveness, such as higher education integrating more experiential learning and corporate training focusing more on critical thinking development.

Expanding the pathfinder’s purpose: A pedagogical approach to redesigning LibGuides

Online research guides are an important service in academic libraries. Many argue for an instructional design approach that prioritizes course or assignment focused guides; however, this does not address how to design effective subject or topic guides that often follow outdated pathfinder structures. This case study outlines one subject library’s approach to redesigning their guides with pedagogy and accessibility at the forefront, demonstrating how to apply best practices articulated for course-based guides to a general setting. It addresses how to design effective subject guides to better facilitate patron browsing, promote the collection, and supplement training for staff at service points.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation training course for medical interns in COVID-19.

Pulmonary rehabilitation has an influential role in improving the symptoms, reducing subacute and chronic complications, and increasing the performance of patients with COVID-19. Medical interns can play an essential role in training patients. Since, at the time of the research, these concepts were not in the general medical curriculum in Iran, the interns were not trained in this field. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate the virtual training course for pulmonary rehabilitation for medical interns in the COVID-19 crisis. A cross-sectional study (with an instructional design approach) was conducted at an academic center in 2021 on 25 medical interns. The newly designed educational content included multimedia files and educational videos offered to the participants. The data collection tools were pre- and post-test, attitude, and satisfaction evaluation questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS (one-sample and paired t-test). The average age of the participants was 26.24 ± 0.92, and most were women (14 (56%)). The average knowledge score after the course (18.52 ± 4.44) compared to before (11.12 ± 2.38) was significant (P < 0.001). The average score of attitudes (55.04 ± 6.49) and satisfaction (92.92 ± 10.69) had a significant difference (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and indicated the desirability of the course. Considering the results of this course in improving students' knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction, it is suggested to add this topic to the general medical curriculum (pulmonary or infectious diseases courses).

Online Task-Based Language Learning to Enhance Thai Monks’ Speaking Performance

This research aimed to achieve two main objectives: (1) to assess the learning achievements in online task-based language learning, and (2) to evaluate satisfaction with the utilization of the online task-based language learning model. The study’s population comprised Buddhist monk students from four provinces in Thailand: Chiang Rai, Phrae, Phayao, and Nan. A total of 80 participants took part in a 30-hour English language training program that focused on task-based language teaching (TBLT) implemented through online technology to enhance Thai monks’ speaking performance. Zoom and free online tools such as Pronunciation Checker App were integrated into the TBL learning cycle to deliver this online training. The research process can be summarized four stages consisting of orientation stage, pre-practicing stage, practicing stage, and post-practicing stage. The comparison of learning outcomes before and after the implementation of the instructional model for monks revealed a significant difference in the average scores. The overall score before training was 38.78 (S.D. = 5.85), while the post-training learning outcomes had a higher average score of 47.34 (S.D. = 4.99). The assessment of satisfaction was divided into four dimensions: (1) content and language usage; (2) English instructional activities for monks; (3) teaching and learning process; and (4) development of English-speaking skills. Overall, participants expressed high levels of satisfaction across all four dimensions of the instructional design approach, with a mean rating of 4.49 and a standard deviation of 0.56.

Constructing a Novel E-Learning Course, Educational Computational Chemistry through Instructional Design Approach in the TPASK Framework

The educational scenario after the COVID-19 confinement presents new challenges for teachers. Technological advances require teachers to be prepared for instruction through technology, and with this, the need for e-learning courses arose to strengthen this knowledge. This article aims to describe an innovative e-learning course in Educational Computational Chemistry (ECC) for in-service chemistry teachers through an Instructional Design (ID) that allows the development of the constructs associated with the Technological Pedagogical Science Knowledge (TPASK) framework. From the literature overview, relevant findings were raised concerning ID and its potential technological support. The results indicate that an effective ID must present general elements, such as the organisation and generation of content, progress monitoring, and feedback instances. However, the stages of engagement, flexibility, and positioning are relevant elements. These design elements are linked to emerging technological tools, such as artificial intelligence for generating audiovisual material, interactive content development, and event logs. In addition, positive results are evident from the teachers who participated in the ECC e-learning course, who project the knowledge, computer skills, and learning acquired into their professional work as chemistry teachers. Based on the above, a course design for ECC is proposed with general guidelines that contribute to the continuous training of in-service chemistry teachers.

Teaching the Use of Gamification in Elementary School: A Case in Spanish Formal Education

Gamification is an educational methodology and tool that offers benefits through mechanics and dynamics. It brings motivating experiences and benefits to the instructional design approach. Several studies highlight that this methodology fosters contributions in commitment, fun, enthusiasm, motivation, satisfaction, and interaction in pedagogical contexts. The sample of 308 teachers was obtained after the mass delivery of the instrument to educational centers in Spain. The sample is nonprobabilistic, and the study participants voluntarily answered the survey. Of the participants, 69.8% were women and 30.2% were men; this proportion is representative of the population of teachers. A descriptive analysis is based on three dimensions: most used programs, devices used, and didactic functionality. These data are triangulated with an analysis through the HJ-Biplot method, which is presented as a multivariate graphical representation of the data from an Xnxp matrix. This analysis details findings on the determining role played by the teacher and the relationship between years of experience, age, devices used, and resources used, detected with descriptive and bivariate analyses. Among the conclusions are that the subjects positively value training in digital teaching competence in terms of gamification, although in real daily practice only 30% of teachers claim to use gamified tools. Gamification provides collaborative and innovative benefits in relation to its didactic functionality.

Integrating augmented reality and problem-based learning into English language teaching through instructional design

This article aims at discussing how ADDIE, a systematic instructional design approach, can be used to integrate augmented reality technology and Problem-Based Learning pedagogy into English language classrooms. We present a brief retrospective view of the Brazilian English language teaching scenarios to which our proposal is addressed. Afterwards, we provide definitions to ADDIE approach, Problem-Based Learning and augmented reality into the context of English language teaching with technologies. We also propose the integration of the foregoing approaches through practical examples. Our discussion envisions possible impacts of appropriating augmented reality in language teaching classrooms, especially considering the particularities of a continental-scale country as Brazil during the paradoxical times we live in.

Embedding Universal Design into Intensive Learning Experiences

This paper reports on the findings of a study investigating a new intensive instructional design approach called the “Cheese Sandwich”. The Cheese Sandwich was used to create the “Effective Learning and Teaching” (EL&amp;T) course at a post 1992 British University. EL&amp;T is an intensive 3-day course for staff new to HE teaching, aligning with the institutional commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The aim of the study was to uncover the extent to which participants in EL&amp;T encountered an intensive learning experience reflecting the UDL principles. A second aim was to assess the importance of those UDL principles in effectively supporting participant learning. Participants were 30 university staff enrolled in EL&amp;T. The extent to which participants encountered an intensive learning experience reflecting UDL principles, and the extent to which they perceived those principles as effectively supporting their learning was assessed via the UDL perception survey. The survey consists of two main dimensions; 1) the extent to which respondents experienced learning and teaching practices reflective of UDL on their course and; 2) the extent to which respondents perceive those practices to be effective in supporting their learning. Each dimension consists of 36 items adapted from the UDL “checkpoints”. Responses to each dimension are made on a five-point Likert scale (1 – 5). Of the 36 items in Dimension 2, 29 received a mean score ≥3.5, meaning they were considered “very” or “extremely” effective for learning. For each of the 29 items considered “very” or “extremely” effective, participant perception was that they occurred “often” or “always” in EL&amp;T. The Cheese Sandwich appears to be an effective intensive instructional design tool, enabling the embedding of UDL into intensive learning experiences, with demonstrable perceived benefits for learning.

Text analytics for uncovering untapped ideas at the intersection of learning design and learning analytics: Critical interpretative synthesis

AbstractBackgroundLearning analytics (LA) collects, analyses, and reports data from the learning environment, to provide evidence of the effects of a particular learning design. Learning design (LD) outlines the conceptual framework for a meaningful interpretation of Learning analytics data.ObjectivesThe study aims to identify the most relevant concepts at the intersection of learning design and learning analytics, how these concepts are integrated into more general thematic areas, and the implications for the research and practice of the learning design and learning analytics synergy.MethodsTo this end, the study employs a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) of the selected papers, and complements it with elements of systematic literature review as well as qualitative content analysis and text analytics that employ machine learning and language technology.Results and conclusionsThe most important themes identified are ‘analytics’, ‘learning’, ‘data’, ‘tools’, ‘research’, ‘framework’, ‘informed’, ‘model‐driven’, ‘participatory’, ‘technique’, ‘impact’, insight’, and ‘findings'. The text analytics detected two topic rarely explicitly discussed in the literature: ‘evidence‐informed instructional design approaches' and ‘design‐based research’. Future research should attempt a holistic perspective towards the LD and LA synergy considering evidence‐informed instructional design approaches as part of a design‐based research methodology that implements evidence‐based teachers' practice and research‐based findings.

The Development of An Integrated Exercise Module for Basic Arabic Language Through Mobile Learning Application: A Need Analysis

In tandem with the development of technology, the use of multimedia in language learning is one of the best alternatives to make Arabic language learning more productive, effective and communicative. The use of multimedia applications has the potential to help students improve their mastery of the Arabic language, especially listening and speaking skills. However, teaching and learning Arabic language at UiTM are mainly focusing on the conventional methods where lecturers are utilizing textbook as the primary teaching resource. Some educators refuse to take advantage of technology in teaching because of the lack of multimedia learning materials and resources. Furthermore, the multimedia-based teaching materials that are currently available are not designed based on an appropriate instructional design approach which makes these educational materials irrelevant to the real needs of students. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the problems and the needs of third language Arabic students at UiTM towards the development of an integrated exercise module for basic Arabic language through mobile learning application. This study is a survey based on a quantitative approach that uses a set of questionnaires as a research instrument. This questionnaire was distributed to 79 students out of 280 students who took Arabic as a third language at UiTM Shah Alam. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze this quantitative data. The findings revealed that most students agreed that learning Arabic in UiTM is only focused on the use of Arabic textbooks and the exercises provided in the books are not enough for them to master what they had learned. As a result, the students expressed the necessity of utilizing the additional multimedia learning materials in the classroom, not only to improve their Arabic language proficiency but also to perform well in tests and assignments.

Plagiarism prevention through pedagogy: an instructional design approach

This article examines the complexities of plagiarism and describes how librarians can assume a lead role in designing instruction that teaches students how to ethically engage with sources in their writing. By challenging traditional approaches that focus on detection and consequences, librarians can design instruction that treats plagiarism as a teaching and learning opportunity. The case study presented here describes how one librarian designed an interactive online tutorial by utilizing the USER instructional design model. Each step of the process is clearly described, offering both an example and a guide to librarians who want to engage in similar efforts.

Civic Data Education Series: Developing Civic Data Literacies to Serve Communities

ABSTRACTThis poster introduces the Civic Data Education Series, a collection of openly licensed modules and instructional materials that support the development of learners' civic data literacy. We designed this series for the learner communities of Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate students and library staff, with the goal of equipping library workers to assume civic data intermediary roles. In this poster, we present the meaning of “civic data literacy,” our project's aims and instructional design approach, and resulting materials.

Adapting the Addie Instructional Design Model in Online Education

"The instructional design approach should begin with requirements evaluation to evaluate the necessities of the online learning event, such as what the learner should understand and be capable of doing as an outcome of the education or understanding solution and what learners immediately understand and can perform. Instructional designers widely use ADDIE to create modules, models, software, and courses for instruction and learning. It is also used as a design model. It presents a series of repetitive steps to build effective education and training in five phases, giving rise to the acronym: A-D-D-I-E, which stands for analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation."

Trading Spaces, Pedagogies, and Technologies: Developing a University Active Learning Center via Public-Private Partnership

ABSTRACT Faculty in higher education are challenged to change their instructional approaches in outmoded, stagnant learning spaces to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Traditional learning spaces on most college campuses consist of locked, rowed seating and desks designed to maximize room capacity and accommodate large numbers of students. The physical constraints of these spaces often limit the use of more innovative teaching methods that allow students to assume greater ownership of their learning. For more active, student-centered learning to occur, greater mobility in the physical learning space may be necessary to allow for improved connection, collaboration, interest, and engagement. In this paper, we share experiences in forging a public-private partnership to transform a 46-seat computer lab into a 32-seat active learning center (ALC) in which mobility is a signature feature. Upon using the ALC for the first time, options for space and furniture configuration allowed instructors to create, and re-create, work groups to facilitate student collaboration while digital technology and active learning tools allowed students to share information easily and often. Most students rated their experiences in the ALC favorably, though not all participants embraced the active learning approach and instructional space with immediacy. Original research would help to understand students’ experiences and isolate the effects of space on student learning and engagement. Our successes and challenges in building and using the ALC may be used to meaningfully inform other public-private partnerships in higher education to transform teaching and learning through active instructional design approaches.

Design, Development and Evaluation of the Citizen Science Cancer Curriculum (CSCC): a Design and Development Case Study

The purpose of this design and development case study is to provide an in-depth account of the needs analysis (through surveys and interviews), design, development and formative evaluation of the Citizen Science Cancer Curriculum (CSCC). The curriculum was developed as an online, self-paced educational program distributed as an Open Educational Resource using Creative Commons licensing. The instructional approach described in this design and development case study was informed by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) framework. The case reflects a new frontier in the development of community stakeholder engagement models and describes how evidence-based instructional design practices and approaches (e.g., storytelling) can be used to support Citizen Scientists’ interests, learning and motivation to engage in cancer-related research. Results from quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that the CSCC supported Citizen Scientists’ learning performance and motivation. More specifically, the use of storytelling as an instructional approach supported Citizen Scientists’ psychological needs, especially relatedness and competence, which translated into their behavioral intentions to contribute to cancer-related research. We share context-specific challenges and opportunities in working with Citizen Scientists as well as with cancer researchers and clinicians during the design and development of the curriculum.

Reimagining Engagement

This article explores how to successfully adapt simulations developed for traditional classrooms for synchronous platforms. Acknowledging the importance of the co-construction of knowledge and the impact of active learning in classrooms, this article explores instructional design approaches, logistical issues, and pedagogical considerations for translating successful in-person simulations to online synchronous learning environments. An example from a graduate level intercultural communication course is described as a platform for addressing lessons learned and sharing best practices. By reimagining five areas of adaptation, including materials, technology, grouping students, communication, and the role of the facilitator, faculty can examine critical junctures at the intersection of content knowledge, technology know-how, training pedagogy, and instructional design to conduct successful synchronous simulations.

Seamless Integration Between Online and Face-to-Face

This study explores learners' perceptions of and experiences in a flipped-blended Chinese-as-a-Foreign-Language (CFL) course. Based upon dynamic complex system and social interaction theory for language learning as well as on instructional design approaches, this study examines the seamless integration between the online and face-to-face (FTF) components. Twenty-three first-semester CFL learners participated in the study. Data were collected via student surveys and a semi-formal focus group interview. The findings show that students' perceptions are highly positive and that the seamless integration of the two modes is beneficial and conducive to meeting the learning outcomes. The students also pointed out weaknesses of the design, such as the length of the videos, the need for more interesting writing tasks in the FTF meetings, and the lack of immediate help during the video watching process.