During the Analysis phase of the ADDIE model, instructional designers gather information and conduct a thorough analysis to understand the learning needs, objectives, audience characteristics, existing resources, and constraints. This phase is critical for laying the foundation for the entire instructional design process. Here’s what happens during the Analysis phase in more detail:

  1. Identifying Learning Goals and Objectives: Designers work closely with stakeholders to identify the overarching goals of the instructional program or project. They then break down these goals into specific, measurable learning objectives that articulate what learners should be able to do or know upon completion of the instruction.
  2. Assessing Learner Characteristics: Designers analyze the characteristics of the target audience, including their prior knowledge, skills, experience, learning styles, motivations, and any special needs or considerations. This helps designers tailor the instructional materials and strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners.
  3. Conducting Task Analysis: Designers analyze the tasks or skills that learners need to perform or acquire. This involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable components to identify the knowledge and skills required for successful task completion. Task analysis helps ensure that the instructional content and activities align with real-world performance requirements.
  4. Reviewing Existing Resources and Constraints: Designers review existing instructional materials, resources, technologies, and infrastructure that may be relevant to the project. They also identify any constraints or limitations, such as budget, time, technology, or organizational policies, that may impact the design and development of the instruction.
  5. Identifying Learning Environment and Context: Designers consider the learning environment and context in which the instruction will take place. This includes factors such as physical space, technological infrastructure, available support services, and cultural or organizational norms. Understanding the learning environment helps designers design instruction that is appropriate and effective for the context.
  6. Defining Evaluation Criteria: Designers establish criteria and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the instructional program. This involves determining how learning outcomes will be assessed, what types of data will be collected, and what indicators of success will be used to measure the achievement of learning objectives.

Overall, the Analysis phase of the ADDIE model lays the groundwork for the instructional design process by gathering essential information, identifying learning goals and objectives, assessing learner characteristics, reviewing resources and constraints, considering the learning environment and context, and defining evaluation criteria. This phase sets the stage for the subsequent Design phase, where instructional strategies and materials are developed based on the analysis findings.

 

For more information, check out our free eLearning course, Overview of the ADDIE Process.