Designing for Impact:
The Critical Role of a Theory of Action in Education Design
What is the most productive way to create or revise an educational solution? Contrary to what seems to drive much of EdTech today, effective educational solutions don't start with technology; they start with clear learning outcomes and the pathways to achieve them. Key to uncovering these pathways is a well-articulated Theory of Action.
This Theory of Action goes beyond surface level descriptions, such as "we use gamification to boost student engagement and learning." Though common, such descriptions lack the necessary detail required to connect learning outcomes, resources and behaviors, and provide no insight into how to prioritize next steps. Putting this description into diagram form, we have:
Simplified Theory of Action diagram
Instead, we want a more detailed Theory of Action that will more fully map the web of connections. To continue with the example of gamification in a K-12 classroom setting, we can outline the following hypothetical components of a Theory of Action:
Long Term Goal: Increase in student learning
Intermediate Outcomes: Increased engagement; more time with the materials
Enabling Features of the environment: Gamified activities
Student Activities: Engage with the gamified activities; reflect on how the activities relate to the learning objectives.
Teacher Activities: Assign the activities; provide support for students in the activities; help students reflect on connections to the learning goals
More detailed Theory of Action diagram
Mapping these connections uncovers critical questions, such as “What would ensure teachers assign the activities?” and “How do these activities integrate with the existing curriculum?” These questions prompt us to consider the alignment of gamified activities with existing classroom structures. Furthermore, by explicitly noting the role of the teacher, we realize the importance of support and training for effective student learning.
By considering these questions a more detailed Theory of Action emerges, incorporating not just the learning materials and activities, but also the professional development for teachers as well as the integration with core curricula, including creating clear alignment with specific learning objectives.
Theory of Action diagram including teacher supports and integration with Core Curriculum
Of course, it is possible to continue creating a more detailed Theory of Action. But for our purposes we will stop here, noting that our latest Theory of Action provides developers with a roadmap for their solutions, highlighting the necessary supports and the intermediate outcomes that will lead to increased learning. This is in sharp contrast to the first diagram, which provides little insight about how we will get from the gamified activities to increased student learning.
In addition to aiding in roadmap creation, a well-defined Theory of Action serves multiple strategic purposes. It fosters a shared understanding among team members, ensuring coherence in design and communication. It lays a foundation for data-driven decision-making and research alignment. Importantly, it offers a structured approach for prioritizing development efforts, enhancing curriculum design, and enriching professional development programs.
As we navigate the complex landscape of educational technology and curriculum design, the question of "What is your Theory of Action?" becomes more than a theoretical inquiry. It is a call to action for developers, educators, and stakeholders to critically assess and refine their approaches to ensure they are grounded in a solid, evidence-based framework.
