Common Sense is often very complicated

It always amazes me when I read an article that makes a simple, commonly used (or underused) concept seem so complicated. The article Introduction to Instructional Design and the ADDIE Model by Kevin Kruse described a way to design instruction. However, I can see this system in effect every day and in many circumstances. Kruse made an analogy to a car cruise control that changed speed based on feedback, keeping the car at a steady speed. A simple conversation is also guided by the same ADDIE principal, analysis, design, development & evaluation. We begin a conversation with someone after we have discerned they are open to an idea, perhaps based on a lecture or comment to another comment (analysis). Then we quickly think of how we will phrase our thought to best convey our message (design). Development of the first comments and opening statements ensues and we keep adding more thoughts to make our point-of-view clear. Finally, we evaluate if the person or people we are talking to have the same opinion as yours or if their opinion has validity or if we should change our opinion. The conversation may not be as rigid (a complaint of the ADDIE system) but it is the same.

As teachers we will evaluate our lessons using one of the models discussed in this chapter. We determine what background knowledge the students have about a topic (analysis), followed by our planned lesson (design). We teach the material (development), adding information constantly evaluating student understanding. Teachers increase their own knowledge and behavior by looking for ways to alter their lessons based on feedback.

To me (and this is only my OPINION) this is Common Sense. Feedback, re-evaluation and implementation of a change is essential in all parts of life and teaching is no exception. One must constantly evaluate the students understanding and alter or maintain a lesson plan. Without an instructional design system, a teacher would teach the same exact lesson the same exact way year after year. (I know, there are teachers who do this.) The outcome is either bored students or overwhelmed students. It would be like a furnace constantly blasting the heat throughout all four seasons.