Presents some ideas for using simulation games to improve human performance, serve as motivators for instruction, provide opportunities for evaluating learning, and test research models. The potential for instructional technologists to diversify approaches to learning and meet learning needs is also discussed. Fifteen references are listed. (MER)

Three alternatives to instructional development are briefly described: shifting more instructional responsibility from developer to learner; implementing an instructional system utilizing paraprofessionals, content experts, and peers; and selecting and adapting existing instructional materials. (MBR)

Discusses three task analysis techniques utilized at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to review training programs: analysis of (1) job positions, (2) procedures, and (3) instructional presentations. All of these include task breakdown, relationship determination, and task restructuring. (MBR)

The development and testing of an information mapped programed text on critical path method for an MBA elective at a British business school is described. The results show that information mapping gave satisfactory learning results when used as a self-instructional method under these circumstances. Five references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Describes a model which recognizes active and passive roles of teachers and learners as a means of identifying five basic methods of teaching. (CHC)

Discusses the roles of visual thinking, visual rehearsal, and introspection in educational technology, and suggests that instructional designers should externalize their internal representations and involve the internal and external representations of content specialists and learners in the instructional design. Fifteen references are listed. (MBR)

The Socratic method of teaching, which uses open-ended questions asked in a logical sequence, is discussed. Suggestions for structuring curriculum content around seven adult learning principles and Socratic process analysis systems for student motivation are included. (SLW)

Describes five teaching techniques that are multi-sensory and/or facilitate a particular cerebric hemisphere processing: (1) design of holistic materials; (2) structure of language to circumvent resistance; (3) use of videotapes to increase visual perception; (4) use of slides to increase visual acuity; and (5) use of audiotapes to increase…

Describes Merrill's content performance matrix in terms of content (facts, concepts, processes, procedures, and principles); levels of performance (recall and applying content in job-like context); and instructional methods that support each task on the matrix (information displays and practice exercises). (MBR)

Introduces a new department within the National Society for Performance and Instruction which will examine applications of performance technologies in the nonindustrialized areas of the world, including different subject areas and techniques. Reports on the experiences of different performance technologists will be presented each month. (MBR)

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

Summarizes the research evidence indicating that it is not the media that influence performance, but the instructional strategies used with them, considers some administrative advantages of using different media, and describes the features of training programs that do influence performance. (MBR)

Provides suggestions for instructors on how to effectively motivate training class of hostile students. Principles of learning and motivation, lively training introduction, good instructor example, a motivating message, making learning reinforcing, separating feeling from knowledge, motivating with student action, and recognizing students'…

Describes four-step approach to educational demonstration: tell learners they will have to perform; what they should notice; describe each step before doing it; and require memorization of steps. Examples illustrate use of this process to demonstrate a general mental strategy, and industrial design, supervisory, fine motor, and specific…

Challenges the tendency of instructional developers to dwell upon systematic processes of Instructional Development (ID) and argues that ID is more an art in which the end results must be worthwhile, relevant, and capable of justification. Sixteen references are listed. (MER)