Alternate Models of Instructional Design: Holistic Design Approaches and Complex Learning

Goal: Understanding of the shift from atomistic to holistic design; holistic design approach of Van Merrienboer’s Four-Component Instructional Design Model consistent with the first Principles of David Merrill.

In modern day society with changing technology and multidimensional expectations at work place individuals are required to perform complex learning tasks. Complex Learning tasks involve integration of knowledge, attitude and skills and the transfer of learned knowledge to real world situation. Atomistic instructional design approach (complex task reduced to simpler elements) does not focus on complex learning and holistic design approach is proposed to attain this goal.

Holistic Design model does not compartmentalize the domains of learning (cognitive, psychomotor and effective). Whole task approach is promoted and focus is on integration of knowledge, skills and attitude (K S & A) to develop professional competencies.

Three dimensions basic to the use of the terms Competence:

1) Integrativity – Competence always integrates K S & A in variation

2) Specificity – Competence is bound to a context, specific (profession) or general (career)

3) Durability – Competence is more or less stable inspite of change in conditions of the working environment.

Holistic Design Model does not fragment instruction into simple isolated objectives. It emphasizes instruction of integrated set of objectives. It proposes a shift from part-task to whole-task approach. Scaffolding of learners is suggested so that they can learn and integrate whole task in real world.

Holistic Design Model offers a solution to the problem of Transfer Paradox which indicates that instructional methods that are most effective in reaching desired goals are ineffective to transfer such goal for general application in real world (actual learning). Mathemagenic instructional method is suggested which aims at the development of more general, abstract knowledge that allows learners to perform unfamiliar aspects of transfer tasks.

The Four-Component Instructional Design Model(4C/ID model)

The 4C/ID model is an example of holistic training design model developed by van Merrienboer. The four components of the model are:

• Learning Tasks
• Supportive Information
• Procedural Information
• Part-task Practice

Comments on Fig 8.1
The 4C/ID model proposes a holistic design but the figure is presented in parts!

Please read Introduction and Conclusion again.