Chapter 18: Appreciative Instructional Design (AiD): A New Model

Current models of instructional design are deficit-based: the gap between current performance and desired performance is systematically analyzed and as appropriate, instruction is designed to fill that gap. It is a problemsolving process: What is the problem and how do we solve it? often begins the analysis (e.g., Seels & Glasgow, 1998). The existence of a problem is often heralded by a gap in learning, evidenced by poor job performance or unacceptable error rates. During the analysis phase of instructional design (ID), a needs assessment that focuses on this gap is often conducted. By focussing on this gap, the unstated message becomes that there is an acceptable level of error. For example, it is OK for the airlines to lose luggage, they just need to lose less of it.