Mastering the Instructional Design Process: A Systematic Approach

William J. Rothwell & H.C. Kazanas

Pfeiffer and Company

Pages: 482

ISBN: 978-0787996468

 Mastering the Instructional Design Process

In Mastering the Instructional Design Process, William J. Roth well and H.C. Kazanas, provide a systematic approach for developing instructional design competencies based on the Board of Standards of Performance and Instruction (IBSTBI). Rothwell is currently a professor of workplace learning and performance and Pennsylvania State University, President of Rothwell and Associates and has written over 60 books in the learning and performance field. H.C. Kazanas is currently professor emeritus of education at the University of Illinois and authored or co-authored eleven books relating to technical training in manufacturing and human resource development.

 There have been plenty of articles and blogs written on whether one should pursue a formal education or an informal education in order to become a proficient instructional designer. Well, this book is written for those who chose the latter.

The book begins with a pre-test on the instructional systems design and allows the reader to use it as a diagnostic tool as a self-assessment. The first chapter provides the definition of instructional design and ties in its relationship to human performance problems. This component is vital as the book like most performance books, gives alternatives to instructional solutions. Chapter 2 notes that not all solutions can be solved by instructional design, rather, other types of tools including feedback and job aids. Chapter 3 discusses the various methods that can be used for performance analysis. Chapters 4 through  analyzing the needs, learners, and work setting by explaining the steps in the instructional design process including conducting a needs assessment and developing a profile of the learner.

 Chapters 8 through 10 delve into writing performance objectives including figures, and a breakdown of verbs associated with objectives in the cognitive domain. Chapters 11-13 discusses delivering the instruction effectively including choosing appropriate instructional strategy including tables and worksheets. If you are more interested in learning how to design management systems, chapters 14 through 18 can be used to understand not only how to plan, and monitor an instructional design but also communicating effectively through visualization.

 Finally, chapter 20 discusses ways on being an effective instructional designer through some personal reflection from the authors. The appendix includes resources on online instructional design, learning theories and instructional design and knowledge management. As an extra bonus, there are a number of supplementary materials that are available for download free with the purchase of the book including worksheets, checklist and activities.

Learning Development and Human Resource professionals can benefit from reading this book. It combines both instructional design and performance improvement steps with ease. Anyone seeking to improve their understanding of instructional design will enjoy reading this book.