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Use the SAM model when you have previous experience teaching a specific course.

Michael Allen, an educator and software developer, developed the Successive Approximation Model, or SAM, in 2003 (Allen, 2003).

SAM uses the “ADD (Analysis, Design, and Development)” of ADDIE to allow iterative testing among the design and development stages of instructional design. This method utilizes an “agile approach,” where the instructor’s and designer’s ideas are presented, tested, and developed more to produce more effective learning environments.

• Preparation

  Prepare goals, course objectives, learning objectives, potential materials for course; then,

• Iterative Design

  “Savvy Start” — Instructor and designer communicate frequently to design, test, and review parts of an instructional plan; then,

• Iterative Development

  Instructor(s) and designer communicate frequently to develop, implement, and evaluate working instructional plan

The iterative development phase is helpful for instructors who teach the same course over and over again. While the SAM originated in e-learning environments, this model could be used for all kinds of courses.

Sources

Allen, M. W. (2003). Michael Allen’s Guide to e-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

“Agile eLearning Development.” n.d. Allen Interactions. Retrieved from https://www.alleninteractions.com/sam-process