Merrils First Principles Of instruction
Many current instructional design models suggest that the most effective learning environments are those that are problem-based and involve the student in four distinct phases of learning: (1) activation of prior experience, (2) demonstration of skills, (3) application of skills, and (4) integration of these skills into real world activities. Figure 2 below illustrates these five ideas. Much instructional practice concentrates primarily on phase 2 and ignores the other phases in this cycle of learning.

Figure 2 First Principles of Instruction Diagram
At the top level the instructional design prescriptions based on first principles are as follows:
- Learning is facilitated when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems.
- Learning is facilitated when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge.
- Learning is facilitated when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner.
- Learning is facilitated when new knowledge is applied by the learner
- Learning is facilitated when new knowledge is integrated into the learner's world.
