Building the IFSS Curriculum Framework Part One: Blueprint for Course Development

One of the foundational processes used by training developers in the instructional systems design (ISD) field is the ADDIE model, which outlines the five steps for developing effective training. The chronological steps in the model are: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.

When we build out a particular content or topic area within the IFSS Framework, we are essentially creating a “blueprint” for training development. Building out the content or topic area involves identifying competencies and behavioral anchors.

Taken together, the competencies and behavioral anchors provide all the details concerning what should be covered in a training course.

ISD professionals, therefore, can use these content or topic area “blueprints” and, in close collaboration with appropriate subject matter experts, can create course learning objectives (which are often modified versions of the competencies), build course content, course activities, learner interactions, and knowledge checks, all of which are recommended components of any learning event.

Looking back at the ADDIE model, then, we can see that these “blueprints” represent the Analysis and Design phases of the process. The Analysis involves identifying what the regulator needs to know or be able to do, and the Design relates to arranging the competencies and behavioral anchors into a sequenced, organized blueprint that can be utilized during the next step of the ADDIE process, the Development phase.

Watch for part two of this series in our March training newsletter.