Dave Goodrich

I’m a learning designer, researcher, and professor committed to designing learning environments where people can grow, change, and flourish.

My work blends instructional design, educational psychology, and technology to help educators create meaningful, engaging learning experiences—both online and in person. I’m especially drawn to research and practice that supports self-authorship, intrinsic motivation, and equity-minded teaching.

I currently serve as the Director of Instructional Design and Digital Learning at Washtenaw Community College and teach in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program at Michigan State University. I’m also a PhD student in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program at MSU.

My professional interests include:

• Faculty development and course design
• Online and hybrid learning quality (QM, CoI, Merrill’s Principles)
• Motivational psychology and goal setting
• SoTL informed instructional innovation

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: people can learn, change, and grow—especially when they’re supported by design that honors their humanity.

• Ph.D. Student, Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education
  • Michigan State University (2018–Present)
• M.Ed., Instructional Design for Online Learning
  • Capella University (2011)
• B.A., Secondary Science Education & Physical Education
  • Cornerstone University (2006)

• Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Certification
• Quality Matters Online Certified Instructor (APPQMR, DYOC, IYOC)
• Michigan Secondary Teaching Certificate: Science & Physical Education (2005, renewed 2015 & 2020)

• Goodrich, D., Heinrich, W. F., Knott, J. L., & Yaklin, B. (2018). "People, Practices, and Patterns: Transforming into a Learning Institution." Metropolitan Universities Journal, 29(3), 85–107. https://doi.org/10.18060/21469
• Musgrove, A. T., et al. (2018). "Technology-Enhanced Exploratory Installations to Support Constructivist Professional Development: The Technology Test Kitchen." In Handbook of Research on Human Development in the Digital Age (pp. 1–32). IGI Global.
• Goodrich, D. (2023, October). "Design for Change: Building DEI Training Hiring Committees at MSU." Inclusive Pedagogy Fellows Program.
• Goodrich, D. J. (2022, May). "Introduction to Quality Matters." MSU Faculty Seminars.
• Noel, N., & Goodrich, D. J. (2021, March). S"party Matters: A Remix of Quality Matters for Internal Peer-to-Peer Course Reviews". OLC Innovate.
• Goodrich, D. J., & Lockett, M. (2020, April). "Examining Reciprocity in Online Course Observations and Evaluations." American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting. [Cancelled due to COVID-19]
• Lockett, M., Jenner, A., & Goodrich, D. (2020, April). "Symmetric Models for Classroom Exchange." AERA Annual Meeting. [Cancelled due to COVID-19]

• Online learning quality and student engagement
• Faculty development and instructional coaching in digital environments
• Rubric-informed assessment and learner-centered course design
• Motivational psychology in adult and lifelong learning
• The role of mindfulness, reflection, and mental well-being in learning
• Faith-informed and values-based approaches to teaching and leadership
• Collaborative learning and community-building in hybrid and online contexts
• Ethical and pedagogical uses of emerging technologies

“Learn with depth. Love with freedom. Lead with humility.”

I live in Jackson, Michigan with my wife and three sons. I enjoy songwriting, biking, and hiking. You can usually find me playing piano, reading about psychology and theology, or having deep conversations over coffee.

I believe learning should be both rigorous and personal—anchored in curiosity, purpose, and care. My work focuses on designing digital learning environments that foster connection, clarity, and transformation. I draw from motivational psychology, contemplative practice, and my own journey as a lifelong learner. I aim to help others grow not just in knowledge, but in agency and meaning.