Presents a nine-phase model for teaching fundamental technical concepts: problem definition, feasibility study, data collection, preliminary product development, development and initiation of product testing procedures, product revision, field testing, operational testing, and dissemination. (SK)

Describes the components of instructional modules (i.e., statement of purpose, prerequisites, objectives, pretest, materials and resources, activities or program, and posttest). Lists the advantages of their use in college teaching. Offers a sample module on teaching writing in the elementary school. (DMM)

The need for and use of internal consultants by many organizations and institutions is growing because of the rapid pace of environmental and technological change and the growth in the quantity of knowledge. Although much has been written about consulting roles, competencies and skills needed by consultants, and the use of consultants in various…

Software systems are being created to assist both novice and expert instructional technologists in response to perceived need of organizations to increase their training. Underlying philosophies and goals of instructional developer automation tools and their potential effects upon the organizations who adopt them must be examined so they will help…

The California computer network for instructional development cost-effectively links over 100 campuses in an effort to help faculty and administrators in postsecondary education keep up with and prevent duplication of current state-funded programs for teaching improvement. Summarizes the network's history, funding, evaluation findings and…

In order to approach instruction in a systematic manner, a number of factors must be considered. These include the instructional model to be used; individual student learning skills, styles, and preferences; and learning activities. (LRA)

This discussion of the use of audiovisual instruction in the health sciences emphasizes the importance of instructional effectiveness and describes such activities of the media center of the Vaud University Hospital (Switzerland) as instructional development and training of media users, including World Health Organization (WHO) fellows. Eight…

Current research on applications of computer conferencing in six institutions identifies a number of common problems related to communications and conferencing software and hardware and user attitudes about the medium. Despite these difficulties, there have been indications of a growth in the incorporation of computer conferencing in distance…

Traditionally, transfer of learning has been a concern only during coursework. It has become clear, however, that there are a number of transfer enhancement strategies that educators and trainers can successfully implement before, during, and after organized learning experiences. Even before training begins, trainers can begin to enhance their…

The problem of articulation is examined, including attempts that have been made to resolve it and new proposals for its resolution. In order for the discussion to be meaningful, several relevant terms are defined: articulation, horizontal articulation, vertical articulation, inter-/multidisciplinary articulation, level, learner outcomes, and…

Traditional methods for task analysis have been largely based on the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model, which is widely used throughout industry and the military. The first part of this document gives an overview of cognitive task analysis, which is conducted within the first phase of ISD. The following steps of cognitive task analysis…

Discusses the situational-structural syllabus with emphasis on more clearly defining objectives in both scope and content. Four directions for these syllabi are suggested: (1) priority of semantic and functional notions; (2) subordination of grammatical features; (3) introduction of spoken language discourse; and (4) reduction of grammatical…

Instructional systems development (ISD) is a systems approach to curriculum development and instructional delivery. It is oriented toward occupational needs with an emphasis on what it is that students must learn to perform specific tasks, what facilities best provide a setting for the neccessary learning, and what instructional methods and media…

If current trends continue, it is likely that adult programs and adult vocational programs in particular, will play an increasingly important role in the nation's educational system, eventually absorbing the role currently played by secondary vocational education. Therefore, vocational educators must develop new approaches and new attitudes to…

Research has shown that tasks of intermediate difficulty generally elicit the greatest efforts on the part of students. For this reason, teachers are advised that the use of moderate goal setting is one of the most effective means of ensuring favorable vocational outcomes. The general paradigm of achieving vocational success through moderate goal…