Successive Approximation Model (SAM)

SAM Overview

The Successive Approximation Model (SAM) prioritizes collaboration, flexibility, and iteration. Unlike traditional linear models such as ADDIE, SAM is agile and responsive. It is well-suited for projects with frequent change and rapid development and deployment is imperitive.

SAM has 3 distinct phases:

• 1. Preparation: Close collaboration between instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders is part of the preparation phase. Information  is obtained about the project's goals, target audience, learning objectives, and existing resources. A project blueprint is created to define the overall scope and design strategy. 

  2. Iterative Design: In this phase, designers create a prototype. This prototype is the draft that allows stakeholders and SMEs to provide feedback before a design is refined The cycle can run as many times as needed. SAM encourages a focus on function over form at this stage because the "polished" learning opportunity is still being developed. 

  3. Iterative Development:  Feedback from stakeholders is applied, the instructional materials are refined, improved, and expanded upon to make the learning opportunity better. This cycle continues until the instructional materials meet the desired level of quality and effectiveness. Instead of waiting until the product is finished, SAM encourages repeated iterations and testing until the product is polished.

Applications for Corporate Training

In the corporate world, SAM is helpful for creating comprehensive prototypes that can receive multiple rounds of feedback from stakeholders before a polished product is deployed. It's iterative natures helps content stay up to date, especially in industries with rapidly evolving landscapes, such as the tech industry or within the intelligence community. SAM can help instructional designers create effective, engaging learning opportunities that align well with learning objectives and goals. The iterative nature means that learning opportunities can get feedback from stakeholders to ensure the activities provide the best possible experiences for learners. 

Opinions on the Strengths SAM

• Iterative: SAM emphasizes continuous cycles of design, development, testing, and refinement which allows for ongoing improvements based on feedback. It is a good model when ongoing and frequent changes need to be made to "mold" the learning into a stronger product.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Early involvement of stakeholders (in the "Savvy Start" phase) allows time for all stakeholders to provide input and ensure learning is aligned to objectives. This helps provide a comprehensive learning experience. SAM also focuses on early prototyping which can help stakeholders know what the learning will look like and provide early feedback. It provides time to solve problems that might arise.

• Flexibility and Responsiveness: Adaptable and responsive to changing landscapes. SAM is flexible when quick changes are needed. Sometimes content has rapid evolutions, such as content around modern technology and software.  SAM helps a designer adapt a training to keep the content up to date.

• Focus on Learner Needs: Learners provide feedback throughout the design process and instructional materials can be altered accordingly. Using learner feedback helps the learning opportunity become stronger for future learners. 

Opinions on the Limitations of SAM

• Resource-Intensive: SAM can require a large investment of time and personnel. The iterative cycles, frequent feedback, and collaborative nature means a lot of people need to provide their time and expertise. This might not always be possible, especially if other stakeholders do not have the bandwidth to provide that time.

• Complexity: The model's structured phases and iterative cycles can bring unnecessary complexity to the development. Designers might get lost in the process instead of focusing on the learning objectives and content. The phases tend to run simultaneously and it might be difficult for the learning designer to keep track of all the moving parts. The Basic Successive Approximation Model (SAM1) is a simplified version which may take less time and resources.

• Potential for Scope Creep: The iterative nature of SAM might expand project scope beyond initial design plan and  potentially impacting timelines and budgets. This can also affect the coherence of the instruction and "muddy" the waters for some learners. 

• Learning Curve: Implementing SAM effectively means there may be a learning curve for instructional designers, which could affect the efficiency of the design process.