UDLs vs Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction: A Critique and Comparison of Instructional Design Models

Instructional design is the science behind the study and improvement of developing, delivering, and evaluating instruction and instructional practices. (Brown & Green, 2016). Take a look at the excerpt from Brown and Green on the four part definition of instructional design.

Brown, A.H., & Green, T.D. (2016). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Over the years, scholars and practitioners have developed multiple models that help explain and map out some of the best frameworks for designing instruction. Two of the models that we will discuss here include the Universal Design for Learning model (UDL) and Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction model.

Universal Design For Leaning (UDL) Model. 

The UDL instructional design model is a model that focuses on what, when, and how people learn. This model focuses on the science behind learning, and applies it to its three main principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement. For an elaboration of these principles, take a look at this excerpt also taken from the text by Brown and Green. 

Brown, A.H., & Green, T.D. (2016). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

In Layman's terms, the UDL framework believes that there is not "one type of learner" hence their should not be "one way to learn". This model encourages instructional design frameworks that speaks to everyone; from the purposeful learner, to the knowledgeable learner, and the goal oriented learner.  

Take a moment to view the following  picture as  a visual way of representing the previous information. 

http://www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html#.WWWltojyvIU

But why do we NEED UDLs? Now of course there are other ways to design learning, but UDLs are just one of the major concepts that educator have chosen to follow due to this model's design to cater to students with disabilities and setbacks. or high levels of thinking. Listen to the following video as gerontologist, Leacey Brown, talks about the importance of UDLs for all!

 Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction

Some Instructional Design models are built in the form of a checklist, giving the users very specific instructions (or steps, if you will) on how to design their instruction. One of these such models, is Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction.

https://www.slideshare.net/MirandaE23/robert-gagne-learning-and-instruction

Robert Gagne was an educational physiologist that came up with a theory called, "The Conditions of Learning. His theory stipulates that there are several different types of learning and each different type requires different types of instruction. Through this his was able to identify five different categories of learning.

http://oldsmooc1week1learningdesigndefinition.pbworks.com/w/page/62589007/Learning%20Design

Gagne built his Nine Events of instruction based off of these five categories of leaned capabilities. He essentially argues that these skills can be organized into a hierarchy which can be used to identify prerequisites that should be completed to ensure learning at each level. 

Critique and Compare: My personal Views

Both of these Instructional Design models are of my favorite models. They both agree on the idea that there is not one specific way of learning and that each way needs to be handled differently. However, I do tend to agree or lean towards the UDL model over Gagne. UDLs allots for much more flexibility than Gagne's 9 events of Instruction. With a UDL, order does not matter. You simple build your instruction in the manner that suits your preferences, while being intentional about creating multiple means of instruction and activities. There is no need to be sure to write your objectives before creating your instruction; or recalling prior knowledge before providing guidance. Whatever order works best for you, UDLs gives you that level of flexibility.This ensures that every type of learner is catered to. I also love the fact that it expands the horizons of each learner. Students may be stronger visual learns, but they still have access to the auditory material, inevitably strengthening their auditory comprehension skills. Now students able to both understand and grow!

Gagne's 9 events of instructional is a much more intentional model. It gives very specific steps to follow and what order to complete them in. Unfortunately, it take away the idea of flexibility. However, I will say this: There is nothing more stress relieving than to know that I may not know exactly where to begin or end, but if I follow these steps or use a checklist, I am guaranteed to get it right! Gagne allots for that luxury. Take a moment to view the following checklist created to aide with building instruction using Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/490962796860612408/

Great checklist right?! I was so ecstatic to find such a simple and easy way to ensure that I incorporate all aspects of Gagne's model.

Take a look at the very last section of this checklist. Notice anything familiar? Gagne enforces the same idea that UDLs identified; the idea of choices! Both model realize the importance of ensuring that there is student choice; and not just for assignments and content, but for rewards and challenges. Students love to feel that they have some level of control over their education and I believe that it is important that they do have this small level of control. Student interest begins and ends with choice and it is an aspect of instructional design that I will be sure to always incorporate.

Conclusion

Instructional Design models are used to ensure that instruction is given in the best way to ensure the best learning practices. UDLs focus on research that have been proven to show how, what, and why a person learns. Gagne's Nine Events of instruction focuses on creating a hierarchy of instruction that can be used to develop prerequisites to ensure learning at each level. Both models covers the idea of fostering choice. While one model is deliberate in the process of designing instruction and the other focuses on what to design WITHIN the instruction. I general love both model, but prefer the flexibility of UDLs.

Bibliography

Brown, A. H., & Green, T. D. (2016). The essentials of instructional design: connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. New York, London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Conditions of Learning (Robert Gagne). (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2017, from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/conditions-learning.html