Principles, Theories & Models

The Context

As part of the EDTEC 572 curriculum, Elizabeth Rest and myself produced a fully developed four-hour unit of instruction, covering dinning etiquette, complete with e-Learning, a face-to-face instructor guide, and assessment materials.

The e-Learning focused on the various utensils and their use, so learners could better navigate a place setting. The instructor-led class, introduced learners to the topic, reviewed key points, and built on prior knowledge. The training was broken into two modules, 1) formal place setting navigation and 2) how to conduct oneself at a formal multi-course meal.

Demonstrating the Competency

A blended learning approach was chosen to build the curriculum, encompassing a variety of methods and cogitative domains. Adult Learning Theory was chosen so learners will build on previous experience throughout the course. We referenced Gagne’s Nine Events to identify what techniques raise and sustain the learner’s motivation. Instructors will apply soft skills and principles through appropriate practice to meet the principle-based objectives. Learners will apply, analyze, synthesis and evaluate the material to make critical judgments based on the etiquette principles. Learners will use psychomotor skills to simulate their retention during mock dining experience.  The affective experience will be applied since participants will share past knowledge, feelings, best practices and experiences.

The Unexpected

Meeting EDTEC 572 standards, Rest and I produced a fully developed instructor-led lesson, as opposed to a standalone product or prototype in EDTEC 544, Instructional Design. Because of the large scope of this project we had less time to do detailed analysis and design documentation.

Personal Outcomes

My successful collaboration designing and developing the Dinning Etiquette Curriculum demonstrates my capabilities to:

• Develop innovative and creative strategies that engage and motivate learners while accounting for various learning styles.
• Use a blended learning approach.
• Develop an assessment focusing on the transfer of knowledge and real world performance.
• Use technology to support learning.
• Design personalized materials to support retention.