Abstract:

Instructional design practice is most effective when grounded in learning sciences, the interdisciplinary study of how people learn and how to optimize that process. Yet a persistent gap exists between evidence-based research and real-world design practice, with practitioners often unable to apply theoretical knowledge due to organizational pressures, time constraints, and stakeholder demands. While this theory-practice divide has been well-documented in formal research settings, less attention has been paid to how instructional designers discuss these challenges in informal, peer-driven spaces. This study addresses that gap by examining naturally occurring conversations within Reddit's r/instructionaldesign community, a pseudonymous online forum of over 20,000 practitioners.

Using Braun and Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed two Reddit posts and 26 associated comments focused on learning sciences. Four themes emerged from the data:
(1) learning science is frequently overlooked in instructional design practice, with designers noting that cognitive load theory and other foundational principles rarely inform real-world deliverables;
(2) instructional designers face significant organizational resistance, often positioned as content producers rather than strategic learning partners;
(3) practitioners struggle to distinguish between learning science, evidence-based practice, and professional intuition; and
(4) designers actively seek peer communities and accessible resources to deepen their theoretical knowledge and stay current with research.

These findings suggest that Reddit functions as more than a social platform, as it serves as an informal community of practice where instructional designers engage in reflective, peer-based professional learning. The study offers practical implications for learning scientists, organizational leaders, and educator preparation programs seeking to strengthen the integration of evidence-based principles into instructional design practice.

Keywords:

Instructional design, learning sciences, evidence-based practice, thematic analysis, qualitative research, Reddit, communities of practice.