INTEGRATE EXISTING MATERIALS

This design document is for a training module I developed for creative leadership to support effective feedback practices for their teams. To increase the learning value of the overall design, I added an existing feedback framework that would best support the creative leaders who were the learners in this workshop. 

Effective design does not always mean reinventing the wheel. With an internet search, designers have access to a plethora of material, many of which are based in extensive academic research. Not only do these materials maximize the learning outcomes for the design, incorporating existing materials is a time-efficient practice for designers who may be juggling multiple projects for various clients. The artifact I selected as evidence uses a framework called pliable guidance, a 2017 study by Harrison and Dossinger that explores the benefits of balancing ambiguity and direction in providing feedback to creative groups. Before finding this study, I had a much more structured approach to feedback. However, after reading their study, Harrison and Dossinger made a compelling case for their more flexible approach to feedback that fosters creativity by respecting the subjectivity of the creative process. Pages 10-16 provide an in-depth breakdown of the implementation in performance objectives and instructional strategies. 

As a classroom teacher with over 150 students across 6 periods, I had to be smart about my lesson design. As a result, I utilized the resources I could, whether from the internet or trusted colleagues. Integrating existing materials benefited me by saving me time and also providing me with solutions that were tested on previous groups of learners. I use the same approach now when I design workshops for this program, specifically for the Practicum project. During my analysis phase, I ask stakeholders for previous materials and strategies that worked in previous relevant workshops, and if any align well, I use them. If I feel there is a better approach available, I may pull from existing materials found during research, or invent my own. Often, however, they already exist. 

    This evidence proves I can integrate existing instructional materials to add value to the learning design. Though I enjoy creating fresh content, at times this is an unnecessary step that extends the scope of the project. To avoid overcomplicating the design and saving myself significant time on future projects, I intend to devote more time to collecting previously used materials or researching current trends and strategies that will maximize learning outcomes.