Here is some insight into your design process as it relates to the Learning Analysis phase of instruction. First off, think of the Learning Analysis phase of design as step 2 in the overall ADDIE process. Regardless of the Design model you are utilizing (e.g., Dick and Carey, UBD, Gagne, etc…), the learning analysis phase will involve describing in enough detail the learning process that the “students” are to follow so that they have “learned” or achieved the outcomes/goals/objectives to an established degree. Presented in the syllabus are several frameworks for assisting in the progression of learning that will occur through the proposed instruction you are creating. The process of learning is hierarchical in that there are “entry” skills and “exit” skills. Think of yourselves as experts in the field that you are designing instruction for. Think also about what it is that all “students” will need to progress through so that they can reach “expert” or advanced level of understanding. This may be math, history, computer programming, music, and so forth. Now, you are going to describe the learning that occurs from an elementary or novice level of understanding or ability, to an advanced or expert level of understanding. Your role as a designer is not to necessarily get all students to the advanced level, but to rather design instruction which describes how they would do so, and what it would look like if they arrived at this level. Within the syllabus are three theories for learning task analysis. These are examples, and there should be one best “fit” that will work with your particular project. Keep in mind that there will probably be no exact “fit”. So, your task as an instructional designer is to select which Theory will best support your pursuit of describing and defining learning outcomes for your project. I will provide more details regarding each of the theories below:
Theory #1: Gagne’s Learning Outcomes - check out this link for specifics http://classweb.gmu.edu/ndabbagh/Resources/IDKB/gagnetax.htm
Theory #2: Bloom’s Cognitive Taxonomy – check out this link for specifics http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html
Theory # 3: Wiggins & McTighe Model: - check out this link for specifics
http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/6-12/BackwardDesign/BDstep1.htm
One more resource you may find valuable is pasted below. This is an excellent graphic which you can utilize for part II (learning task analysis). Remember that for the writing of your learning objectives, there must be a “measurable” outcome.