The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is a design model that emphasizes "collaboration, flexibility, and iterative development" (UMGC, 2024a). SAM is a model that suits courses that need to be rapidly created and ones where change is constant. Through this, like most other models, SAM is iterative throughout it's three phases. SAM does iterate throughout the process, rather than primarily at the end, as part of its phases, which helps in implementing a well aligned and designed course.
The first phase of SAM, where the designer meets with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to perform the analysis from previous models; defining the target audience, needs, and learning objectives.
In this phase, the designer and team will create prototypes of the course to begin testing and receiving feedback. The prototype is a "working model" including the essential parts of the course, but is not fully fleshed out at this point (UMGC, 2024b).
This phases sees the refinement of prototypes and feedback implemented. The prototype is iterated on and improved based on evaluation. Learning materials follow an Alpha -> Beta -> Gold model that tracks the progress from the first creation and copy to being approved for rollout (UMGC, 2024c).
SAM is a model that allows for rapid implementation of the material. With the importance of prototyping and iterating on these based on evaluation/feedback, the end product will become better for the learners that are engaging in it, as it allows itself to work on the final product through their feedback. With the ability to implement feedback and update the course, SAM becomes highly flexible and adaptable to numerous learner needs. Through the "regular review and refinement cycles," SAM can create a course that avoids expensive late changes and helps align the course (UMGC, 2024a).
SAM is a highly flexible and adaptable model with its development. Allowing for the phases to each have evaluation that leads to iteration, you can fine tune your course towards learner needs, which is important when you are having constant change. With stakeholders being as involved in the design process, this can help to align with institutional or organizational objectives as well. Working in higher education, both of these are particularly important, as my students will always be changing and have different backgrounds and involving our leadership and board of trustees in the process, we do better make sure to create cohesion not only in the course, but also across the entirety of our college ecosystem
The iterative nature is great until it is not. With how often you can refine and update the course and materials, it will be easy to lose focus of the initial idea/scope and go too far. With these refinements as well, that takes time (even though this is a rapid model) and resources. Both of these focus on the refinement and iteration, I am aware of my own weakness as a person and these will be the biggest pitfalls for me. Making sure to not lose the forest for the trees and staying on project will be vital to my use of this model.
References:
UMGC. (2024a). Overview of the successive approximation model (SAM).
UMGC. (2024b). Iterative design phase
UMGC. (2024c). Iterative development phase