Introduction

Are you tired of creating boring and ineffective training materials? Do you want to improve your instructional design skills? Look no further than Cathy Moore’s Map It framework. In this article, we’ll explore what Map It is, how it works, and why you should use it.

What is Map It?

Map It is a step-by-step process for creating effective instructional materials. It focuses on three main areas: performance, challenge, and action. By starting with the desired performance, identifying the challenges learners face, and designing activities that encourage action, you can create engaging and effective training materials.

Step 1: Define the Performance

The first step in the Map It process is to define the desired performance. This means identifying what learners should be able to do after completing the training. By focusing on performance outcomes, you can ensure that your training materials are relevant and useful for learners.

Step 2: Identify the Challenges

Once you’ve defined the performance outcomes, the next step is to identify the challenges learners may face in achieving those outcomes. This could include anything from lack of motivation to lack of knowledge or skills. By identifying these challenges, you can design activities that address them and help learners overcome them.

Step 3: Design the Action

The final step in the Map It process is to design the action. This means creating activities that encourage learners to take action and apply what they’ve learned. By designing activities that are relevant, challenging, and engaging, you can ensure that learners are motivated to apply their new knowledge and skills.

How Does Map It Work?

Map It is a flexible framework that can be applied to a wide range of instructional design projects. Whether you’re creating e-learning modules, instructor-led training sessions, or job aids, Map It can help you create materials that are effective and engaging.

Step 1: Define the Performance

To define the performance, start by identifying the desired outcome. This could be anything from improving customer service skills to reducing workplace accidents. Once you’ve identified the outcome, break it down into specific actions or behaviors that learners should be able to demonstrate.

Step 2: Identify the Challenges

Next, identify the challenges learners may face in achieving the desired outcome. This could include anything from lack of motivation to lack of knowledge or skills. Use a variety of methods, such as interviews, surveys, and focus groups, to gather information about the challenges learners face.

Step 3: Design the Action

Finally, design activities that encourage learners to take action and apply what they’ve learned. These activities should be relevant to the desired outcome, challenging enough to keep learners engaged, and designed to address the challenges learners face.

Why Use Map It?

Map It is a proven framework for creating effective instructional materials. By focusing on performance, challenge, and action, you can create materials that are relevant, engaging, and effective. Here are some of the benefits of using Map It:

Improved Learner Engagement

By designing activities that are relevant and challenging, learners are more likely to stay engaged and motivated throughout the training.

Reduced Time and Cost

By focusing on the desired performance outcome, you can create materials that are more efficient and effective, reducing the time and cost of training.

Improved Performance

By designing materials that address the challenges learners face and encourage action, you can improve learner performance and achieve better outcomes.

Conclusion

Map It is a powerful framework for creating effective instructional materials. By focusing on performance, challenge, and action, you can create materials that are engaging, relevant, and effective. Whether you’re new to instructional design or an experienced designer, Map It is a valuable tool for improving your skills and creating better training materials.