Action Mapping
Action Mapping is a performance-focused approach to instructional design that starts with what people need to do, then identifies the practice and information needed to support those actions.
Action Mapping
Start With Performance — Not With Content
Action Mapping is a performance-focused approach that begins with the business goal, identifies what people need to do differently, and then determines the practice and information needed to support those actions.
The process helps move the conversation away from “What should we put in the course?” and toward “What needs to change on the job?”
Action Mapping was created by instructional design consultant Cathy Moore.
Goal
Define the Business Goal First
Action Mapping starts with the result the organization wants to improve. This keeps the learning project tied to a meaningful performance need.
Define what should improve and how the organization will know whether progress is happening.
Focus on a business result rather than simply completing or launching training.
Training may support the goal, but it is not automatically the solution.
Identify What People Need to Do Differently
Once the goal is clear, identify the observable actions people must take to help achieve it.
This describes knowledge, but it does not yet tell us what employees must actually do on the job.
Now we have a behavior that can guide practice, support, and measurement.
Ask Why People Aren't Doing It Now
Not every performance problem is caused by a lack of knowledge or skill. Look for the barriers behind the behavior before deciding that training is needed.
People may not know what to do or may need realistic practice before performing confidently.
The workflow, system, resources, or environment may make the desired behavior difficult.
The desired action may not be reinforced, rewarded, expected, or supported.
People may need a job aid, clearer instructions, better feedback, or easier access to information.
Design Practice Around the Actions
When training is part of the solution, Action Mapping emphasizes realistic practice that helps people make the decisions they will face on the job.
This checks whether learners remember information, but may not show whether they can use it.
Add Only the Information That Supports the Action
Information comes after the action and practice have been identified. This helps keep content focused on what learners actually need to perform successfully.
Include information that helps learners make the right choice or complete the action.
Information people can look up on the job may work better as a checklist, guide, or resource.
Background content that does not support the action does not automatically belong in the course.
Map the Pieces Back to Performance
The value of Action Mapping comes from connecting each design decision back to the business goal and the actions people need to perform.