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@MakedasMusings


A Note from Your LEAD Mentor: Why This Work Deserves More Than “Make It Fun”
Instructional Design has never had a single doorway.Some of us arrived here from teaching. Some from graphic design. Some from HR or IT. Some from roles that had nothing to do with Learning, Education, or Development at all. Because there’s no clear path in, there’s also rarely a shared foundation. Many talented people are handed the title “Instructional Designer” without ever being taught what the work truly requires. They’re told to “make training fun,” “add gamification,”
4 min read


How a Leadership Conference Ignited the Framework I’ve Been Carrying for Years
For the last two or three years, something has been growing quietly inside me — a set of ideas, insights, and revelations about alignment, clarity, and the way we move through life. I didn’t have a name for it. I didn’t have a structure for it. I just knew it was there, waiting. The catalyst that finally brought it forward was a leadership conference called Lead On Fire , created and led by my friend Temika Younger , the powerhouse behind Virginia Adult Care Education (VACE).
2 min read


Join CLASS for Lunch and Learn with Your LEAD Mentor to Level Up Your Instructional Design Skills
Are you an instructional designer or a professional in learning, education, or development looking for a fresh way to grow your skills? Imagine a weekly session where you can connect with an expert, get your questions answered, and explore new ideas—all while enjoying your lunch break. That’s exactly what Lunch and Learn with Your LEAD Mentor offers. Starting this February, every Friday at 1 pm EST, this group coaching and mentorship program will help you sharpen your instru
3 min read


Aligning Learning Outcomes with Corporate Goals using Bloom's Taxonomy
One of the primary challenges faced by corporate executives in the realm of Learning & Development is aligning learning outcomes with corporate goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). This challenge persists for many organizations, often due to a reverse approach to addressing performance issues. Typically, a performance problem is identified, leading to the assumption that training is the appropriate solution. Subject matter experts provide insights, and a training prog
2 min read


Unlock Your Potential in Instructional Design with ISD Essentials and ADDIE for Real Results
In today’s fast-paced world of instructional design, it can be tempting to chase the latest design trends and flashy tools. Many designers focus on making their presentations look impressive rather than on what really matters: delivering results. At our organization, we adopt a different philosophy—one that emphasizes effectiveness through alignment with clear business goals. Let’s explore how our services enhance your instructional design skills using the proven ADDIE framew
4 min read


The Crucial First Step in Instructional Development: Understanding the Importance of Analysis in ADDIE
In the realm of instructional design, the ADDIE model is like a guiding compass for creating effective training programs. While the phases of Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation often get the spotlight, the first phase—Analysis— deserves equal attention. This initial step is vital for setting up successful instructional solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the essential types of analysis for instructional development, including Problem/Issue Analysis,
4 min read


Transform Your Training Department: Discover How One Client Revamped Their Onboarding Process to Thriving Success
In today's competitive business landscape, effective training and development are vital for success. Companies must ensure that both new hires and existing staff possess the necessary skills to excel. This post shares how one of our clients transformed their training department and revamped their onboarding process, resulting in impressive improvements. Their experience offers valuable insights for corporate leaders contemplating similar changes. The Client's Challenge This c
3 min read


Unveiling the Secrets of Instructional Design: Unlocking the Mysteries of the ADDIE Process for New Designers and Corporate Leaders
Many individuals transition into instructional design from fields like teaching, graphic design, and IT. Yet, while there are many...
5 min read


The Core of Learning & Development: Embracing the Instructional Design Process and Rejecting the Talent Development Trend
In the rapidly changing world of Learning and Development (L&D), it's easy to get swept up in new trends and terminology. One of the recent trends has been the shift from Learning and Development to Talent Development. While I understand why professionals might adopt this label, I believe it can be misleading. I still prefer the term Learning and Development for a good reason. Our mission across various sectors—whether in corporate environments or educational institutions—is
4 min read


Revolutionizing Learning & Development: The Unexpected Influence of the 92% on L&D Trends
Learning and Development (L&D) has seen monumental shifts in recent times that demand our attention. January has typically served as a month for trend forecasting, where organizations discuss the latest tools and strategies in corporate learning. However, these conversations often center around fleeting patterns rather than innovative, impactful changes. Consequently, many L&D professionals find themselves in a reactive role, merely responding to what leadership has prioritiz
5 min read
Unveiling the Secrets of Effective Instructional Design: The Power of Analysis in the ADDIE Process
In the realm of instructional design, a world where knowledge and innovation converge to create impactful learning experiences, lies the cornerstone of effective solution development - the Analysis phase in the renowned ADDIE model. For professionals striving to craft meaningful and engaging learning solutions, understanding and harnessing the power of Analysis is not just a step; it's the essential catalyst for success. Analysis -> Design->Develop->Implement->Evaluate->Analy
2 min read


Unlocking Learning Opportunities Through Everyday Experiences for Homeschooling Parents
At the heart of homeschooling lies the unique opportunity to transform everyday experiences into valuable educational moments. For homeschooling parents, the ability to create and facilitate effective learning experiences is not only a gift but a responsibility. By paying attention to the opportunities presented in everyday life, parents can unlock a world of knowledge for their children. Let's explore how everyday activities can be transformed into enriching educational expe
3 min read


Reviving Learning & Development for a Brighter Future
In a world where adaptation is key, the learning and development industry stands as a vital cornerstone for the growth and progress of organizations. However, a stark reality confronts us – the very industry that should be at the forefront of innovation and people development is struggling. Instead of leading the charge in problem-solving and nurturing an organization’s most valuable assets, its people, we find ourselves often reduced to mere order takers and marketing expert
3 min read
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