Week 5 Reflection

 As I read through Chs. 5 and 6, I was really interested in how Molenda and Branch look at both the value and the limits of systematic models like ISD. Molenda makes a good case for the systems approach, like ADDIE, as a helpful guide. It gives structure, helps designers think things through, and provides a clear process for beginners to follow. But Branch balances the scale by pointing out that if we rely too much on models, we risk losing creativity and flexibility. He reminds us that real instructional design requires judgment, reflection, and the ability to adapt to what is actually happening.

What stood out to me most was the balance between structure and flexibility. Having a framework can help us stay organized and cover all the important steps, but real learning environments are unpredictable. Especially in hands-on settings like labs, things rarely go exactly as planned. Branch’s idea that good design comes from adapting and making thoughtful choices really connects with my own experience.

Reading their exchange made me think that strong instructional design is not about following a model perfectly, but about knowing when to use it and when to step away from it. The best designs probably come from that balance - grounded in structure but responsive to context and people. It also makes me wonder how newer instructors or designers can learn to take those kinds of risks safely. As I ponder how this affects me and my life, I’d like to keep this all in mind as I teach and/or learn: use a framework when it helps, but stay open to changes when the situation calls for it.