Dick and Carey Model

Overview

The Dick and Carey instructional design model consists of nine steps that guide planning and design. The focus of the model is to develop effective learning activities with a clear instructional goal. The ten steps within this process are interrelated and the process relies on gathering frequent feedback and ongoing revision.

The Dick and Carey Instructional Design Model

Step 1

Identify Instructional Goals

Instructional goals, often are developed with the assistance of a subject matter expert, identify what students need to learn. Instructional goals should align with organizational strategic goals, standards, requirements, etc. and they define the desired learning outcomes and behaviors.

Step 2

Conduct Instructional Analysis

The purpose of the analysis is to determine the subject matter and what needs to be considered in the instructional design process.

Step 3

Identify Entry
Behaviors

Identifies prior knowledge and skills learners have, and which will need to be taught to successfully complete the learning activity.

Step 4

Performance Objectives

SMART learning objectives are developed. Associated tasks or skills, and how these will be assessed, are outlined.

Step 5

Develop Criterion Tests

Specific tests related to the level or learning expected are developed to monitor and measure effectiveness of instruction and learner progress.

Step 6

Instructional Strategy

Teaching and learning strategies define how learners will demonstrate proficiency. These include supporting resources (readings, lectures) and specific activities (worksheets, group discussions, simulations).

Step 7

Instructional Materials

Specific tests related to the level or learning expected are developed to monitor and measure effectiveness of instruction and learner progress.

Step 8

Formative Evaluation

Develop and conduct formative assessment to measure how well the learning activity worked in relation to the intended goal.

Step 9

Revision

Revision to of strategies and instructional materials based on formative assessment.

Step 10

Summative Evaluation

Reflection of experience. Develop and conduct an summative evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the learning activity and how will lit was received by the learners.

Implications for Instructional Design

Analysis helps identify characteristics of learners, learning objectives and strategies for assessment (good for higher education).
Analysis assists in identify performance discrepancies (good for trainings or competency-based learning and assessment).
Emphasizes alignment between objectives, assessments and materials.
Supports an iterative design process with opportunities for revision.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Comprehensive analysis of at the beginning of the process (front loaded): learning context, content or subject area, learner behavior, instructional strategy.
Learner-centered and outcome centered.
Iterative design based on feedback and formative evaluation.
Model is flexible and adaptable for many different instructional subjects and contexts.

Limitations

Time-intensive.
Requires access to various resources, which may be difficult for smaller organizations.
Because of the extensive analysis, it may delay development and implementation.
Overly prescriptive for instructional initiatives that required a more flexible or quicker approach.

References

Chaparro, R., Reaves, M., Jagger, C., Bunch. C., (2023). Instructional design using the dick and carey systems approach. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC294

Pappas, C. (2015). 9 steps to apply the dick and carey model in elarning. eLearning Industry. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/9-steps-to-apply-the-dick-and-carey-model-in-elearning

World of Work Project. (2019). The Dick and Carey Instructional Design Model. Retrieved from https://worldofwork.io/2019/08/dick-carey-instructional-design-model/