Framework 1
First Principles of Instruction
Merrill synthesised dozens of design theories into five principles that consistently distinguish effective instruction. Use the wheel to explore each principle, walk the four phases on the right, then test yourself.
Click any petal to explore that principle.
Principle
Problem-Centered
Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems.
Design checklist
- Anchor instruction in an authentic task, not isolated topics
- Show the whole problem before parts
- Sequence problems from simple to complex
Example
A nursing course opens each module with a full patient case, then peels back the underlying skills.
Common pitfall
Teaching content first and 'applying' it at the end turns the problem into a token activity.
Phases of effective instruction
A guided coaching conversation
An AI instructional-design coach will walk you through each phase with a short, focused conversation. Take 3 turns per phase, then advance.
Knowledge check
Test your understanding
1. A course introduces three concepts in week 1, gives recall quizzes, then asks learners to apply them in a project in week 10. Which principle is most clearly violated?
2. An instructor opens a lesson on regression by asking learners to recall a time they predicted something based on patterns they had seen. This is an example of…
3. Which of these is the strongest application activity?
4. Capstone projects where students adapt the method to their own profession primarily support which principle?