Start with the Core: Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction

Ever wondered what separates truly effective learning experiences from those that fade from memory as soon as the lesson ends? The answer might lie in applying Merrill's First Principles of Instruction – a powerful framework that transcends delivery methods to focus on how people actually learn.

This episode dives deep into Dr. M. David Merrill's five core principles that transform ordinary instruction into meaningful learning: problem-centered learning, activation of prior knowledge, demonstration, application, and integration. But we don't stop at theory. For each principle, you'll discover practical tool tips using technology you already have access to, scaffolding ideas that support learners at every stage, and concrete examples of how these principles work together in real-world training scenarios.

When we integrate these principles with thoughtful scaffolding and specific feedback, we don't just teach – we empower. As Dr. Merrill himself reminds us, "Learning is promoted when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems." Join us to discover how designing with purpose leads to teaching with power, and transform your approach to instruction today.

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Episode Transcript

Jackie Pelegrin (00:01):
Hello and welcome to the Designing with
Love podcast.
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you
information, tips, and tricks asan instructional designer.
Hello, GCU students, alumni,and fellow educators, welcome to
Episode 58 of the Designingwith Love podcast.

(00:22):
Today, we're diving into amodel that sits at the very
heart of effective instruction,Merrill's First Principles of
Instruction.
Whether you're just startingout or looking to refresh your
approach, this episode will giveyou the foundation you need to
create learning that sticks.
So grab a coffee, yournotebook, and get comfortable.

(00:44):
Let's dig in.
Developed by Dr.
M David Merrill, theseprinciples focus on what makes
instruction truly effectiveacross any format or delivery
method, instead of prescribing arigid process.
Merrill's framework identifiesfive core principles that, when

(01:04):
applied, lead to deeper and moremeaningful learning.
Let's break down each of theseprinciples.
Principle 1.
Problem-centered Learning.
Learners are engaged by solvingreal-world problems.
This gives them a purpose andcontext for what they're
learning.
Principle 2.
Activation of prior knowledgeHelp learners connect new

(01:28):
information to what they alreadyknow.
Activating existing knowledgebuilds mental bridges to new
concepts.
Principle three demonstrationof skills.
Show, don't just tell.
Learners need to see how newknowledge or skills are applied
before trying it themselves.
Principle four application ofskills.

(01:50):
Learners should apply whatthey've learned through practice
, exercises or activities, withfeedback along the way.
Principle five integration intoreal life.
Finally, learners shouldreflect, share and apply their
new skills in real-worldcontexts.
This solidifies learning andincreases transfer.

(02:12):
These principles are simple butpowerful and align beautifully
with the way people actuallylearn.
Now let's talk about how youcan bring these principles to
life in your projects.
But here's the thing Justknowing the principles isn't
enough To truly support yourlearners.
You'll want to includescaffolding, feedback and tools

(02:36):
that make each principleactionable.
Let's walk through eachprinciple again with these added
layers.
Principle 1.
Problem-centered Learning.
Start with a scenario orchallenge that feels authentic.
This could be a case study,simulation or performance task.
Here's a tool tip Try usingarticulate rise or branching

(02:58):
scenarios to simulate real-worldproblems that unfold based on
learner decisions.
Here's a scaffolding idea Atthe start, provide a sample
solution or walk learnersthrough how to break down the
problem before asking them to doit on their own.
Principle two activation ofprior knowledge.

(03:19):
Don't skip this step.
It helps learners connect thedots between what they know and
what they're about to learn.
Here's a tool tip UseMentimeter, padlet or even a
simple discussion board to askreflective questions or conduct
quick polls.
Here's a scaffolding ideaProvide a concept map or summary

(03:40):
sheet of previous lessons tojog learners' memory.
Principle three demonstration ofskills.
Modeling the task is key.
Let learners see how it's donebefore they try it.
Here's a tool tip Use Loom,youtube or embedded screencasts
to show processes or thinkingstrategies.

(04:01):
Here's a scaffolding ideaHighlight key steps visually,
provide transcripts and offerannotated versions of your demo
to focus attention.
Principle four application ofskills.
Now it's time for learners toget hands-on, but here's where
feedback becomes critical.
Here's a tool tip Use GoogleForms, interactive quizzes or

(04:27):
H5P activities for low-stakespractice with instant feedback.
Here's a scaffolding ideaDesign feedback that's specific,
timely and focused onimprovement, instead of just
saying incorrect.
Try that's close.
Remember to consider thecustomer's tone before choosing
a response, and don't forgetscaffolding here too.

(04:51):
Start with guided practice,then gradually shift to
independent problem solving.
Principle five integration intoreal life.
Learning is only complete whenlearners can make it their own.
Here's a tool tip Encourage useof reflective journals or group
presentations where learnersapply what they've learned in a

(05:11):
way that's meaningful to them.
Here's a scaffolding idea Offerprompts like how would you use
this in your next project orexplain this concept to a
colleague.
When you build instructionaround these tips and ideas,
you're not just transferringknowledge, you're helping
learners grow All right.
So let me give you a real-worldexample of Merrill's principles

(05:34):
in action.
Imagine you're designing atraining for new customer
service representatives at atech company.
Here's how you can incorporatethe five principles with this
scenario.
First, you begin with arealistic customer complaint
scenario the kind reps willactually face on the job.
That's your problem-centeredapproach.

(05:55):
Then you ask have you everhandled a frustrated customer
before?
And invite them to share howthey would respond.
That's activation.
Next, you show a recording of amodel customer call highlighting
both effective and ineffectivestrategies Demonstration check.
Now learners role-play the sametype of call in breakout rooms,

(06:18):
receiving peer and instructorfeedback.
Application is covered.
Finally, you ask learners tojournal how they'll use these
strategies in real calls or havethem create a quick guide for
new hires.
That's integration.
Every principle wovenseamlessly into the experience
and, best of all, the learnersfeel prepared, not just informed

(06:42):
.
So here's your design challengethis week.
Look at one of your current orupcoming learning projects and
ask yourself the followingquestions when can I better
scaffold learning?
Am I providing specific,helpful feedback.
Do I have the right tools tosupport each principle?
When we design instruction withthese layers Merrill's

(07:06):
principles, scaffolding andfeedback we don't just teach, we
empower.
If you found today's episodehelpful, be sure to subscribe,
leave a review or share it witha fellow instructional designer.
You can also support thepodcast on my Buy Me a Coffee
page, which is linked in theshow notes.
You are welcome to review theinteractive diagram I created at

(07:28):
the link provided in the shownotes, which includes an
overview of what was covered inthe episode.
In addition, please check outmy blog site, which is also
provided in the show notes.
As I conclude this episode,here's an inspiring quote from
Dr David Merrill himselfLearning is promoted when
learners are engaged in solvingreal-world problems and when

(07:50):
instruction is based on progressof problem-solving tasks.
It's a simple but profoundreminder of problem solving
tasks.
It's a simple but profoundreminder when we design with
purpose, we teach with power.
Until next time, keep designingwith love and remember great
instruction doesn't just inform,it transforms.
Thank you for taking some timeto listen to this podcast

(08:12):
episode today.
Your support means the world tome.
If you'd like to help keep thepodcast going, you can share it
with a friend or colleague,leave a heartfelt review or
offer a monetary contribution.
Every act of support, big orsmall, makes a difference and
I'm truly thankful for you.