As this semester comes to a close, I would like to think about how my client work and project team related to the Instructional Design learning goals set forth. There are many core tenants of the OPWL Instructional Design process and, as practitioners, it is important that we follow them in order to provide the most value to our client, their organizational goals, and the community at large.
Conduct the HPT process in a way that is systematic
“A systematic approach refers to constructing and following a ste-by-step plan, similar to climbing a ladder one step at a time or following a road map, until reaching the desired performance level.”
“A systematic approach to instructional design means that the conditions, performances, and criteria in the critical job tasks that the ID team identified in the task analysis remain consistent throughout the subsequent design phase deliverables…”
Without a systematic approach, practitioners risk missing vital analysis that informs final deliverables or skipping steps that ensure the findings of the analysis are correctly adhered to. The Learning and Performance Support (LeaPS) model lays out clear steps that ensure no information or relevant analysis is missed. My team referenced this model during the semester, and at times even revisited and revised our previous work, in order to properly conduct a systematic approach.
Conduct the HPT process in a way that is systemic
“A systemic approach refers to considering all the necessary components that are mutually influential on one another by identifying often complex linkages among them.”
Again, we consulted the LeaPS model to ensure our project team was considering all aspects of the organization, the learners, and the community that could influence our process or end result.
Conduct the HPT process in a way that is consistent with established professional ethics
Following established professional ethics protects the practitioners, the learners, the organization, and the community. At every stage in the project, it is vital that practitioners conduct themselves in a manner consistent with ethical standards and extend those same standards to the project work. The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) outlines six principles that guide behavior in our profession.
Conduct the HPT process in a way that is consistent with established professional standards
Similar to following professional ethics, the ISPI suggests ten performance standards that practitioners follow. Following such standards ensures that our profession as a whole offers value and is highly regarded by clients and learners. We honor ourselves, our peers, and our profession when we uphold these standards.
Align performance improvement solutions with strategic organizational goals
As HPT practitioners, we are adept at offering value to our clients while also focusing on the community at large. Both these aspects should be in alignment in order to follow ethical standards and to increase value to organizations. As a part of the upfront analysis, practitioners should understand how and why any intervention directly follows organizational goals. This is a part of the systemic process that ensures interventions are applicable and ideal across the organization.
Make recommendations that are designed to produce valued results
Practitioners are adept at understanding the ask and the organization thoroughly enough to make tailored suggestions that produce desired results. From the beginning, we should focus on the end-user and analyze their needs, environment, and characteristics. From there, we can utilize our systematic processes and models to arrive at an intervention that produces highly valued results backed by evidence-based practices and proven solutions.
Collaborate effectively with others, in person and virtually
In a new virtual world, connecting with peers and clients is more difficult. Our team and client were spread across three time zones, so from the beginning, we emphasized establishing consistent and effective communication. Because of the challenges of this format, it was important that we utilize multiple forms of communication and keep in mind the preferred channel of our client. This demanded we be flexible, available, and considerate. A practitioner should, at all times, work towards the clients’ preferences to ease their workload.
Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and visual forms
Similar to the previous goal, practitioners should be able to communicate effectively regardless of the format. This comes from practice and following the successful examples of others. I talk a little about my practices communicating with clients here, and I carry those practices into communicating with a team as well. I focus on concise but thorough communications and try to be as available and accommodating as possible.
Use evidence-based practices
“Savvy IDs can defend the decisions they made in creating, implementing, and maintaining training. ”
The value in HPT comes from practitioners’ ability to translate evidence-based practices into results for clients. We increase the credibility of ourselves and our field when we can communicate and show evidence supporting our decisions and recommendations. This is also why staying up-to-date on new findings and innovations is so important for practitioners, and building a community of collaborative individuals can help support the field.
