Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction
Applied to Online Courses

Introduction

Gagné gives us a formal approach to delivering instruction to engage the students. The items in the instructional strategies column suggest things you might do for each of the nine events. The instructional strategies are things you could do in Vista.

No.
Instructional Event
Explanation
Instructional Strategies
1
 Gain attention This signals the beginning of a new learning event. It evokes curiosity
  • Leading questions in the discussion area;
  • Present a dilemma;
  • Present an analogy
  • Present something controversial
  • Short video or audio
2
 Inform the learner of the objectives Describe in detail what you expect them to do, and how that will be assessed, but keep it short.
  • List of objectives
  • Guidelines
  • Rubrics
  • checklists
  • Discussions
3
 Stimulate the recall of prior knowledge This step bridges prior knowledge to upcoming instruction.
  • Review prior material
  • Explain how prior knowledge relates to new topic (text/audio)
  • Initiate discussion by asking students to discuss prior learning
  • Self-tests
4
 Present the stimulus material This is the "lecture" part of the new topic.
  • Readings
  • Audio lectures
  • PowerPoints
  • Web sites
  • Other resources
5
 Provide learning guidance The instructor takes on the role of mentor, facilitator, or coach, and acts as a guide on the side." The instructor evaluates progress and provides scaffolding when necessary, but does not give answers.
  • Ask for the "muddiest moment" of the lecture (feedback)
  • Review muddiest moments
  • Guidelines
  • Checklists
  • Rubrics
  • Deadlines
  • Discussions
6
 Elicit performance This is the developmental or practice phase of the topic to be learned.
  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Develop products
  • Collaborative group learning
  • Discussions between students
  • Drafts of papers
7
 Provide feedback Feedback is important when learning new information. Prompt feedback can reinforce retention of the material. Feedback can come from self-tests, peers, or the instructor. The instructor evaluates progress and provides scaffolding when necessary, but does not give answers.
  • Peer review/feedback
  • Instructor review/feedback/hints
  • Short practice quizzes
  • Self-tests (self-assessment to measure one's learning)
  • Games (StudyMate)
8
 Assess performance This is the final or summative assessment. By now, the students should have had practice and feedback to the degree that they should be ready for the summative assessment. Students receive no help during this phase. Summative assessment could come at the end of each learning module, at mid-term, or at the end of a course.
  • Finished Paper
  • Products
  • Quiz
  • Essay Exam
  • Presentation
  • Other
9

Enhance retention transfer to new situations

This step helps the learners internalize the information.
  • Debrief the class on what has been learned
  • Summarize the learning that has occured and apply it to a new situation
  • Evaluate their own learning experience
  • Write a reflection on their learning experience (Journaling)
  • Identify a new situation or application for the new knowledge