The field of instructional design encompasses the analysis of learning and performance problems, and the design, development, implementation, evaluation and management of instructional solutions intended to improve learning and performance.
The origins of the field have been traced to World War II, when the military called upon psychologists and educators to develop training materials that were based on instructional principles derived from research and theory on instruction, learning, and human behavior. Since that time, much has been learned about the characteristics of effective instruction.
At Loughner and Associates, we have assimilated the valuable lessons that have been learned over time, to create a methodology that guides the design and development of learning solutions that help an organization achieve its strategic goals and objectives in a manner that is both effective, and an efficient use of time and other resources.
We work with our clients to clearly define the need for training, and the context in which it will be delivered, so that we can create a solution that meets the need and will have a positive impact on the business. Business impact measures are often expressed in terms such as output, time, quality, or cost.
Once the solution is defined, we design and develop it using a methodology that ensures sound principles of instruction are built into the solution. Instructional standards, organized into ten categories, have been established for each phase of the process, and reviews are routinely performed to ensure they are met.
In summary, our methodology ensures the final learning solution is aligned with the organization’s strategic business need, is instructionally effective and of high quality, will result in the desired business impact, and will provide the organization with a return on its investment.