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Acknowledgements

This toolkit was developed by [Your Name] and builds directly on three foundational documents that I authored:

Evolution of Learning Taxonomies Presentation

Additional Content Not Covered in the Presentation

Cleantech: Domains of Learning & Learning Targets

Special recognition goes to scholars whose work inspired key concepts throughout this guide, including Peggy Dettmer, Wil Thalheimer, and the thinkers behind 4E cognition, namely Sean Gallagher. Their insights have helped translate abstract theory into practical, instructor-ready tools.

Appreciation is also due to the educators who continue to challenge assumptions, ask sharp questions, and demand tools that actually work in real classrooms.

 

References

Clark, A., & Chalmers, D. (1998). The extended mind. Analysis, 58(1), 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/58.1.7

Davids, K., Araújo, D., & Brymer, E. (2013). Designing for learning in the real world: Applying ecological dynamics to education. Educational Research Review, 12, 18–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2011.12.002

Dettmer, P. (2006). New blooms in established fields: Four domains of learning and doing. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. University of Georgia.

Thalheimer, W. (2013, May 13). Rethinking instructional objectives. Work-Learning Research. https://www.worklearning.com/2013/05/13/rethinking-instructional-objectives/

Thalheimer, W. (n.d.). Focusing Objectives: How to get learners to pay attention to what really matters. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRX1RwxybCs

 

Further Reading

On Ecological Dynamics and Constraint-Led Learning

Renshaw, I., Davids, K., Newcombe, D., & Roberts, W. (2019). The constraints-led approach: Principles for sports coaching and practice design. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315102351/constraints-led-approach-ian-renshaw-keith-davids-daniel-newcombe-roberts

On 4E Cognition

Newen, A., De Bruin, L., & Gallagher, S. (Eds.). (2018). The Oxford Handbook of 4E Cognition. Oxford University Press.

Wilson, M. (2002). Six views of embodied cognition. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 9(4), 625–636. https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03196322

On Learning Targets and Assessment

Mager, R. F. (1997). Preparing instructional objectives: A critical tool in the development of effective instruction (3rd ed.). Center for Effective Performance.

Fink, L. D. (2013). Creating significant learning experiences: An integrated approach to designing college courses (Revised ed.). Jossey-Bass. Retrieved on June 20, 2025 from https://www.iup.edu/teachingexcellence/files/teaching_resources/teaching_effectively/l._dee_fink_creating_significant_learning_experibookzz.org.pdf

 

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To the extent possible under law, Joel MacDonald has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to The Design-Align Process, except where otherwise noted.

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