Merrill's Principles of Instruction
Introduction
Merrill's Principles of Instruction (MPI) are a set of principles that guide the design and development of effective instructional systems. Developed by Dr. M. David Merrill, a renowned instructional designer and educational researcher, these principles are based on a comprehensive review of instructional design theories and models, as well as empirical research findings in the field of instructional science.
Background
Dr. M. David Merrill, the proponent of MPI, has made significant contributions to the field of instructional design and technology. His work has been instrumental in shaping the way instructional designers approach the design and development of learning environments. Merrill's Principles of Instruction are a culmination of his extensive research and practical experience in the field.
Principles
Merrill's Principles of Instruction consist of five core principles:
Problem-Centered
According to this principle, instruction should be centered around real-world problems. This means that learners should be engaged in solving real-life tasks or problems that reflect the kind of work they will be doing outside the learning environment.
Activation
This principle states that prior knowledge should be activated as a foundation for new knowledge. This can be achieved by asking learners to recall, describe, or demonstrate relevant previous experience or knowledge before new material is presented.
Demonstration
The demonstration principle emphasizes that new knowledge should be demonstrated to the learner. This can be done through examples, demonstrations, or simulations that illustrate the new knowledge or skill.
Application
According to the application principle, learners should be given the opportunity to apply their new knowledge or skill. This can be achieved by providing learners with tasks that require the use of the newly acquired knowledge or skill.
Integration
The integration principle states that learners should be encouraged to integrate the new knowledge or skill into their everyday life. This can be achieved by encouraging learners to reflect on, discuss, and even teach the new knowledge or skill to others.
Implementation
Implementing Merrill's Principles of Instruction involves a systematic process of instructional design. This process begins with the identification of the instructional problem and the analysis of the learners and the learning context. Based on this analysis, the instructional goals and objectives are defined. The instructional content and strategies are then developed in accordance with Merrill's principles. The instruction is then implemented and its effectiveness is evaluated.
Criticism and Reception
While Merrill's Principles of Instruction have been widely accepted and used in the field of instructional design, they have also been subject to criticism. Some critics argue that the principles are too prescriptive and do not allow for flexibility in the design process. Others argue that the principles do not adequately address the social and cultural aspects of learning.
Despite these criticisms, many instructional designers and educators find the principles to be a useful guide in the design and development of effective instruction. Research studies have also provided empirical support for the effectiveness of the principles.