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Introduction

What is Order of Instruction (OOI)?​

Order of Instruction (OOI) is a resource that teaches you how to effectively sequence instructional content.

Sequencing content effectively (along with chunking, which is required to do sequencing) has the following benefits:

  • It promotes an effective transfer of knowledge and deeper learning of concepts, reducing the learner's cognitive load.

  • It increases learner motivation. The learner will be challenged at a level that is neither too easy nor too hard.

What are the components of OOI?​

The Order of Instruction website contains the following resources:

  1. A reference containing sequencing methods.

  2. Examples, which show how individual sequencing methods are applied.

  3. Case studies, which are also examples, but are more comprehensive than the examples in item 2. Case studies demonstrate how multiple principles are applied.

What type of sequencing is appropriate for OOI?​

OOI is for sequencing scenarios, where:

  • There is a sequential order to the instruction; the learner cannot determine their own sequence.

  • Deciding how to sequence content is not straightforward. For example, if the content only needs to be sequenced to perform a procedure that requires a set order of steps, OOI won't be of too much benefit.

How can I get the most value from OOI when designing my own instruction?​

Read the examples and case studies, to see how to apply the sequencing methods. Reading the methods alone will not be nearly as valuable.

Is OOI only for creating instruction to be used in courses?​

OOI can be used with any type of content that is instructive, such as technical writing. Note that OOI draws on some Instructional Design principles, which may not be used in other disciplines.

Why does OOI contain information on chunking?​

Chunking is breaking information into small parts. In OOI, chunks are called blocks, and are required to do sequencing.

Is OOI research based?​

OOI uses some theories, principles, and terminology from the field of Instructional Design. This applies to some of the sequencing methods; in these cases sources are cited.

My research consisted of these resources:

  • Online searches using Google, using terms such as "instructional design sequencing"

  • Well known books on instructional design.

The academic literature was not used in research.

Where OOI is no based on research, it is instead based on Scott's observations and insights.

The OOI case studies demonstrate how the sequencing methods are applied. The case studies are not researched based; however, some of the sequencing methods used in the case studies are research based, as explained above.

Who created OOI?​

OOI was created by Scott Schwarz, who is a technical writer and a teacher.