Design Models
Merrill’s First Principles
Activate, demonstrate, apply, integrate.
Definition
An instructional design framework by David Merrill that identifies five core principles to make learning more effective: task-centered learning, activation, demonstration, application, and integration.
💡 Core Idea
Effective learning happens when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems, build on prior knowledge, see new knowledge in action, apply it themselves, and integrate it into their lives.
🔍 How It Works
- Task-Centered – Start with meaningful real-world tasks.
- Activation – Connect new learning to what learners already know.
- Demonstration – Show the skill or concept in action.
- Application – Have learners practice with guidance.
- Integration – Encourage reflection and use in new contexts.
🎯 How to Apply
- Begin lessons with a realistic problem or scenario.
- Use examples that clearly model the desired skill or knowledge.
- Provide guided practice before independent work.
- Facilitate opportunities for learners to apply knowledge in their own situations.
📌 Quick Example
In a data analysis course, students start with a real business dataset (task-centered), recall prior statistical concepts (activation), watch a live demonstration of analysis in Python (demonstration), run their own analysis with support (application), and present findings to peers (integration).
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Teaching abstract concepts without context.
- Skipping the activation step, making new material feel disconnected.
- Providing too little practice before expecting independent application.
Key Takeaway
Structure learning around authentic tasks, connecting to prior knowledge, showing how it’s done, letting learners practice, and helping them integrate it into real life.
📚 Resources
- Merrill, M. D. (2002). First principles of instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development.
- Instructional Design.org – Merrill’s Principles
- Reigeluth, C. M. (1999). Instructional-Design Theories and Models: A New Paradigm of Instruction. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.