One Truism Of Instructional Design And Performance Managemen
One Truism Of Instructional Design And Performance Management Is That
One truism of instructional design and performance management is that you get what you measure. Training objectives are essential to all development. They support the outcomes of the course, and good training objectives support the overall curriculum and the strategies of the organization. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following elements of instructional design: Explain the purpose of training objectives. Describe how training objectives align with course outcomes.
Learning objectives vary greatly by the topic and outcome for the course. Compare the differences and similarities of training objectives for a behavioral course, such as leadership skills, and those of a more technical course, such as lean manufacturing techniques. Propose a process for an organization to implement that aligns course training objectives, curriculum learning outcomes, and strategic organizational goals. You must include a minimum of 2 scholarly references.
Paper For Above instruction
Instructional design is a systematic process that ensures training programs effectively impart knowledge and skills aligned with organizational goals. At the core of effective instructional design are well-defined training objectives, which serve as foundational benchmarks guiding the development, delivery, and assessment of training initiatives. Training objectives are specific, measurable statements that articulate what learners should achieve upon completion of a course or program. The primary purpose of training objectives is to provide clear guidance for both instructors and learners, ensuring that all parties understand the desired outcomes and can align their efforts accordingly. These objectives facilitate focused content development, formative assessments, and evaluation measures, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of training interventions.
Training objectives are intrinsically linked to course outcomes, which are broader statements describing the overarching skills, knowledge, or attitudes learners are expected to demonstrate after training. Proper alignment between training objectives and course outcomes ensures coherence within the curriculum, allowing each instructional activity and assessment to contribute toward achieving the intended results. When training objectives support overall course outcomes, they function as stepping stones, translating strategic organizational goals into concrete learning efforts. This alignment not only promotes organizational efficiency but also guarantees that training initiatives lead to measurable improvements in individual and organizational performance.
Learning objectives can differ significantly depending on the nature of the course. For instance, a behavioral course such as leadership skills often emphasizes development of interpersonal abilities, emotional intelligence, and decision-making competencies. The objectives in such courses tend to focus on behavioral change, self-awareness, and leadership practices that influence team dynamics and organizational culture. Example learning objectives for leadership training might include enhancing communication skills or increasing the ability to motivate teams (Avolio & Walumbwa, 2014).
In contrast, technical courses like lean manufacturing techniques are centered on acquiring specific procedural knowledge, technical skills, and process improvement methods. Objectives here are often task-specific, measurable, and related to mastery of tools and techniques that streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. For example, a technical training objective could be “Apply fiveS principles to organize workstations effectively,” emphasizing skill acquisition and application (Womack & Jones, 2003).
Despite these differences, there are also similarities in the formulation of training objectives. Both types aim to specify clear, measurable outcomes, facilitate focused instruction, and enable assessment of learner achievement. Both are designed to align with broader organizational goals—whether improving leadership capacity or operational efficiency—highlighting their role within a strategic context.
A comprehensive process for aligning training objectives with organizational strategy starts with conducting a needs analysis to identify gaps between current and desired performance levels. Based on this analysis, organizations can define clear and measurable training objectives that support overall strategic goals. These objectives should then inform curriculum development, ensuring that learning activities and assessments directly relate to the targeted outcomes.
Next, organizations should establish feedback loops whereby training outcomes are monitored and evaluated against performance metrics aligned with strategic objectives. Adjustments to training content or delivery methods are made as necessary to improve effectiveness. Leadership support and clear communication across all levels reinforce the alignment, ensuring that training initiatives contribute positively to organizational growth and success (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2006). This systematic approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and strategic coherence.
References
- Avolio, B. J., & Walumbwa, F. O. (2014). Authentic Leadership: Moving HR agendas forward. Human Resource Management, 53(4), 587-602.
- Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2006). Evaluating Training Programs: The four levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
- Phillips, J. J. (2012). Return on Investment in Training and Development. Routledge.
- Goldstein, L., & Ford, J. K. (2002). Training in Organizations: Needs assessment, development, and evaluation. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
- Salas, E., Tannenbaum, S. I., Kraiger, K., & Smith-Jentsch, K. A. (2012). The Science of Training and Development in Organizations: What matters in practice. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(2), 74-101.
- Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee Training & Development. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Kirkpatrick, D. L. (1994). Evaluating Training Programs: The four levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
- Mager, R. F. (1997). Preparing Instructional Objectives: A critical tool in the design of effective instruction. Center for Effective Performance.
- Chen, G. M., & Meindl, J. R. (1991). The Construction of Leadership Ideology: The case of high-technology organizations. Organization Science, 2(4), 521-541.