The Preparation of Instructional Designers: An Exploration of Design Pedagogy and Praxis

A number of studies have been conducted exploring competencies expected of instructional designers in the field. The results of these studies that have explored competencies and the alignment and discrepancies between instructional designers and their clients’ and employers’ expectations demonstrate the need for instructional designers to be prepared to serve in a number of expanded roles as instructional designers. In order to prepare instructional designers for what will be expected of them upon entering the instructional design workforce, graduate programs need to look at which competencies are being emphasized through their respective curricula. The purpose of this chapter is to explore instructional design course offerings among programs across the United States as they relate to design pedagogy and praxis. We also offer discussion on the types of instructional exposure needed to prepare aspiring instructional designers for the field.