Robert Gagné didn’t just teach us what to teach, he showed us how. His Nine Events of Instruction are the OG playbook for designing lessons that actually land. Think of them like your favorite recipe: dependable, adaptable, and always a hit when served right.
Each event maps to a different part of the learning journey, helping you move learners from “wait, what is this?” to “got it, using it, nailed it.” Whether you’re building a full-blown course or a 15-minute training, this framework helps you keep things intentional, engaging, and effective.
A Step-by-Step Blueprint for Better Learning
Let’s walk through all nine, with clear definitions and tips for using each one in your own courses.
1. Gain Attention
Learning can’t happen if no one’s paying attention. The first step is to shake learners out of autopilot and get them curious.
How to apply it:
- Start with a question, story, surprising stat, or visual.
- Use sound, movement, or emotion to spark interest.
- Design opening activities that challenge assumptions or tease what’s to come.
2. Inform Learners of Objectives
Learners need to know what they’re working toward. Clear objectives create direction and motivation.
How to apply it:
- State what learners will be able to do by the end (“You’ll be able to create…”).
- Tie objectives to real-world relevance.
- Use visual cues like checklists or progress bars to show what’s coming.
3. Stimulate Recall of Prior Learning
Learning sticks better when it connects to what we already know. Activating prior knowledge builds stronger cognitive links.
How to apply it:
- Ask learners what they already know about the topic.
- Use review questions, flashcards, or quizzes.
- Reference related content from earlier lessons.
4. Present the Content
This is the main course. Deliver your instructional material in organized, bite-sized chunks.
How to apply it:
- Use a variety of formats: text, video, diagrams, or demos.
- Align content with your stated objectives.
- Break up long content into sections or micro-lessons.
5. Provide Learning Guidance
Learners need help making sense of new information. Guidance bridges the gap between knowing and doing.
How to apply it:
- Share frameworks, tips, or mnemonics.
- Provide examples and non-examples.
- Use analogies, metaphors, and visual aids to clarify complex ideas.
6. Elicit Performance (Practice)
Practice makes permanent. Give learners opportunities to apply what they’ve just learned.
How to apply it:
- Design interactive exercises, quizzes, or case studies.
- Use drag-and-drops, role plays, or hands-on tasks.
- Encourage learners to try and reflect, even if they get it wrong.
7. Provide Feedback
Feedback helps learners course-correct and build confidence. It’s where growth happens.
How to apply it:
- Offer specific, actionable feedback (not just “good job”).
- Use automated feedback in eLearning, or peer feedback in group settings.
- Explain why an answer was right or wrong.
8. Assess Performance
It’s time to check for understanding. Assessment ensures the learning stuck and shows what needs more work.
How to apply it:
- Use quizzes, projects, or practical tasks to measure progress.
- Include formative assessments throughout the course.
- Align assessments with your original learning objectives.
9. Enhance Retention and Transfer
Help learners retain the knowledge long-term and apply it in real-life settings.
How to apply it:
- Use summaries, job aids, or infographics for quick review.
- Provide real-world scenarios or follow-up activities.
- Encourage reflection and peer discussion to deepen understanding.
Final Thoughts
Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction aren’t just a checklist, they’re a learning journey. From sparking curiosity to supporting real-world transfer, this framework can level up any course you create.
Have a learning challenge on your hands? Reach out if you need a brainstorming buddy.