Applied Instructional Design Case Study

Master’s Capstone: Designing, Evaluating, and Iterating a Reading Comprehension E-learning Module for Adult ESL Learners

Supporting detail scores were up 22% from pretest to posttest. Three data-driven iterations were identified from assessment and feedback analysis.

For my Master’s capstone, I designed a reading comprehension module for foundational-level adult ESL learners who could identify main ideas with guidance but struggled to do so independently. Using empathy mapping, scaffolded instruction, and pre/post assessment data, I built, tested, and refined the module improving adjusted class averages from the mid-60s to the mid-80s in supporting detail identification.

Audience

Adult ESL Learners

Outcome

Measurable Improvement

Methods

Empathy Mapping

Gap Analysis

Scaffolding

Focus

Reading Comprehension

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The Challenge
My Approach
Results
Iteration
Overview Video

The Challenge

Foundational-level adult ESL learners in a high school readiness program could perform main-idea and supporting details identification with teacher modeling and guidance, but struggled to do it independently. I needed to understand who these learners were, what motivated them, and what barriers they faced before designing instruction.

Learner empathy map summarizing context, motivations, skills, behaviors, and barriers for the target audience

Empathy map capturing learner behaviors, feelings, motivations, and barriers

Needs Analysis

Current Performance

Can identify main ideas and supporting details with modeling and guidance

Desired Performance

Independently identify main ideas and supporting details in informational text

Evidence Used

Classroom observation and recurring learner performance patterns

Design Focus

Sequencing, scaffolding, and accessibility supports to bridge the gap

My Approach

I targeted the performance gap with three interconnected design strategies: structured sequencing to build skills incrementally, scaffolding to reduce cognitive load, and multimodal accessibility supports to reach learners through multiple pathways.

Sequencing diagram showing four steps: explicit instruction, guided practice, formative assessment, and independent application

Four-phase progression from explicit instruction through guided practice, formative assessment, to independent application.

Targets independent performance, not just guided success

Scaffolding diagram showing instructional supports, guided practice, and feedback leading to independent application

Scaffolded instruction, repeated modeling during practice, and graduated feedback that enables self-correction.

Reduces cognitive load and builds confidence
 
UDL and accessibility supports diagram listing built-in Canvas features including alt text for visuals, text-to-speech, captions, transcripts, and multiple means of accessing content

Built-in Canvas supports: alt text for visuals, text-to-speech, captions and transcripts for audio/video content.

Multiple pathways to access ideas

Results & Evidence

I aligned learning objectives with pre- and post-assessments to measure whether learners could independently identify main ideas and supporting details. Here’s what the data showed.

+22%

Supporting Details scores up 22% from pre to posttest

3

Data-driven iterations identified from assessment and feedback analysis

Bar chart comparing class average pretest vs posttest scores for main idea and supporting detail across all questions, showing a +0.55 point gain in supporting detail and a -0.44 point decline in main idea

Pre/post comparison chart (all questions)

Adjusted class average pretest vs posttest scores for main idea and supporting detail, shown as percentages with change values

Adjusted comparison (posttest Q1 removed for clarity)

Table comparing class average main idea and supporting detail scores across pretest, posttest (all questions), and adjusted posttest

Summary table of pre, post, and adjusted class averages

Learner Experience Feedback

Learner perception data and coded reflections provided insight into how instructional supports influenced learning strategies.

Bar chart summarizing student Likert survey responses on feedback impact across three questions, showing counts by agreement level

Perception survey results

Table listing frequency of coded themes from student reflections, including strategy awareness, explained mistakes, confirmed correct thinking, visual support, increased confidence, sentence location strategy, general praise, supporting details, expressed new understanding, and no insight

Coded reflection theme frequency

Iteration & Reflection

The data pointed to specific improvements I’d make in a next iteration. Performance results and learner feedback together shaped these recommendations.

Assessment validity

Posttest results revealed that one question’s wording introduced ambiguity. I’d revise assessment items to align more closely with instructional language and reduce distractor confusion.

Instructional support clarity

Learner reflections showed the scaffolded feedback was valued but could be expanded. I’d add a brief module orientation and clearer explanations for both correct and incorrect responses.

Instruction-assessment alignment

Main idea instruction needs tighter alignment with assessment format and instructional examples should match posttest item structure and complexity.

Overview Video

A walkthrough of the entire project from problem framing through design decisions, implementation, and results.