A conceptual framework for instructional design is introduced which includes three major components: task analysis (involving dimensions such as objectives, skills, and subject matter structure), learner analysis (concerned with variables such as age, population, and group characteristics), and means analysis (involving the selection of…

Studies of beginning reading sponsored by the U.S. Office of Education indicate that teachers, not methods, account for the major differences in the results of instruction and that reading instruction can be improved via combinations of methods. Consequently, teachers should be free to select materials and methods most appropriate for children for…

The purpose of this project was to develop new information and analyses that would contribute to development of a systematic understanding of cognitive structure, including its acquisition and utilization during problem solving. Experimental and theoretical work was done on three specific problems. (1) Studies of individual differences and effects…

In this interview, James Block explains the model of mastery learning, developed by himself and B. Bloom, according to which individual differences in academic ability are lessened by appropriate teaching methods. (GW)

This reader brings together work by Howard Gardner and his colleagues at Project Zero (Harvard Graduate School of Education) to provide a coherent picture of what has been learned about the educational applications of multiple intelligences theory from school projects and formal research over the past decade. The chapters are: (1) "In a Nutshell";…

Better facilities can in no way provide for the child if the teacher has walls in his mind, if he uses one lesson plan'' for his entire teaching career. (Author)

The characteristics, attitudes, and abilities of creative students are discussed. (CK)

Guidelines are offered for teachers facing a class of students with wide differences in ability. (JD)

Presents a proposed unifying relationship between instructional methods and cognitive operations, and argues that it is the location of the processing of the learning task that defines the function, type, and extent of the instructional method required. More than 50 references are listed. (MER)

Individualized instruction is defined and the distinctive elements common to the various modes of individualized instruction are presented. (CS)

Briefly reviews the literature on instructional interactions and introduces the Mega Interactive Model of Instruction, the variable dimensions of which are instructor, learner, instruction/content/context, and time. (RAO)

Suggestions are made for applying research findings to the teaching of physical education. (JD)

Education at its best is an "aptitude development program" that promotes development of learning abilities and effective personal styles needed for future learning in school and throughout life. Much of this development involves adapting and expanding the symbol systems used in teaching and learning to convey essential meanings. Adaptive…

Responds to an article in the previous issue of this journal discussing Howard Gardner's work and its relation to drama education. Suggests that when Gardner's multiple intelligences theory is applied in teaching, differences are valued and communities are strengthened. Concludes that Gardner's theory helps to validate the practice and place of…

The article describes five diverse secondary schools with successful programs to provide responsive instruction based on individual learning styles. Schools include a school for gifted students in Minnesota, a middle school in New Jersey, and three schools in New York. (DB)