First Principles of Instruction

by M. David Merrill

This handy resource describes and illustrates the concepts underlying the “First Principles of Instruction” and illustrates First Principles and their application in a wide variety of instructional products. The book introduces the e 3 Course Critique Checklist that can be used to evaluate existing instructional product. It also provides directions for applying this checklist and illustrates its use for a variety of different kinds of courses. The Author has also developed a Pebble-in-the-Pond instructional design model with an accompanying e 3 ID Checklist.  This checklist enables instructional designers to design and develop instructional products that more adequately implement First Principles of Instruction.

528 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 8, 2341

Reviews

[Stan Rif · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a master of learning & teaching! The author reviewed 30 of the leading authorities on teaching and assimilated them into a theory of learning! Yes, all of the authorities on teaching did not disclose their model(s) of learning!
This is a landmark work! A map and a practice for learning at all levels.
My only gripe is the format: a single column across a large book: difficult to find the next line to read.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Merrill provides a great approach to meaningful instruction and assessment, the text itself was a bit too repetitive and often did not validate the suggestions through supporting research or evidence. However, the pebble-in-the-pond, problem-based approach is congruent with recent teaching and learning trends and worthy of consideration.