Nieveen+Model

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Nieveen CASCADE Model

 * The Nieveen CASCADE Model** was developed in the mid-90’s by Nienke Nieveen of the University of Twente, Holland for use by Dutch professional curriculum/instructional designers.

CASCADE Development

 * CASCADE** (//Computer ASsisted Curriculum Analysis, Design & Evaluation//) is a product-orientated model, primarily focused on creating final instructional products. This model was created for use by educators, and is used for creating lesson materials and includes both learner materials and support materials for successful implementation by teachers. The driving force behind this model is the use of formative evaluation at each of the four cycles to improve the quality of successive versions of the documents until a satisfactory level has been achieved.

CASCADE Diagram
The CASCADE model is a visual representation of the process of creating quality learning materials. It is anchored by Preliminary Research on one end, and Summative Evaluation on the other. In-between, the design process goes through several cycles that include the preliminary research, and summative evaluation, as well as analysis, design, and formative evaluation activities. The model is expressed as four distinct cycles, understood from top to bottom. Assuming that preliminary research has been conducted and funding is available for the product:




 * First development cycle:** Design specifications are created and evaluated. The formative evaluation is primarily done by the design team.


 * Second cycle:** Global materials are created and then evaluated. The formative evaluation is conducted by expert appraisal.


 * Third cycle:** Partially detailed materials are created and evaluated. The formative evaluation consists of both expert appraisal and small-scale tryout.


 * Fourth Cycle:** Complete materials are created and evaluated. Formative evaluation is conducted by expert appraisal, small group testing, and large group tryout.

Summative evaluation occurs after materials have been released for general use.

Learning Theory
Constructivist theory focuses on building on the learner's experiences, as an educational opportunity, with the instructor taking the overseer, guiding instruction, but not dominating it. The CASCADE model is used to create educational materials, both for direct use by learners, and as a support tool for instructors. It is a Constructivist theory consistent with ADDIE.

Formative Evaluation
The CASCADE model uses this definition: Formative curriculum evaluation is a systematically performed activity integrated in the curriculum development process, aiming at quality improvement of a (partially) developed prototype of a curriculum by locating shortcomings and generating revision decisions.

CASCADE is also a computer-based program, which can aid in this development process. The system provides several tools to assist developers of lesson materials in carrying out formative evaluations. The program can be downloaded here: http://projects.edte.utwente.nl/cascade/original/

The CASCADE computer program generates a formative evaluation plan based on user input on elevation sub-stages. Based on the evaluation plan, the development team may discuss all consequences of the formative evaluation and may decide to change certain aspects of it.

The CASCADE computer program includes other templates for instructional designers to support the process of creating quality learning materials. These templates include descriptions of different types of lesson materials, development stages, questions and approaches, overview of intentions with lesson materials, and overview of revision decisions. The program also includes procedural guidelines, points of attention, and advice for guiding the formative evaluation process. The program also includes examples of instruments for data collection and an explanation of terminology and concepts. Evaluation reminders and checks are also included.

CASCADE Usefulness
This model addresses the challenge of creating quality learning materials, often faced by instructional designers. By creating a visual model which relies heavily on formative evaluation, the designer is guided in checking, and rechecking the materials to ensure high quality. While the model was originally created for use by educators in the Dutch system, it has adaptability for many different industries.

The model is also highly useful for designing e-instruction as well, since the computer program is available to download for free. The computer program asks a series of questions to guide the designer in creating an evaluation plan, and suggests evaluation questions, formats, and procedures.