The “Myth of Average”

The difficulty of learner-centered design is that the average learner does not exist. Designing for an “average” learner is not effective because this content will exclude all learners to some degree.

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If you would like to learn more about why the statement above is true, watch “The Myth of Average” TED Talk, which illustrates the problem of designing to an “average” individual with a discussion of fighter jet cockpit design.

Two fighter pilots walking towards a fighter jet

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Let’s consider that the following person represents your idea of the “average” learner…

Let’s name this fictional learner Norm.

If you design your course with Norm in mind, you are more likely to meet Norm’s needs. This is learner-centered design in action. But what about your other learners?

Group of demographically, culturally, and ability diverse learners

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After all, your class will be full of learners who are different from Norm. Will they be included and encouraged to learn along with Norm? The path to achieving learner-centered design that effectively includes all learners is inclusive course design.

The Learners

The “Myth of Average”

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