Discusses the relationship between instructional design and situated learning. The transfer of knowledge and skills to a variety of settings is considered; and ways in which instructional design can contribute to the goals of situated learning are described, including planning learning experiences that are situated in the real world. (24…

Discusses the training needs of three types of supervisors: (1) those who cannot supervise and know it; (2) those who can but not very well; and (3) those who mistakenly think they are doing a great job. Offers suggestions for designing courses, determining appropriate course content, teaching the class, and evaluating the program. (JOW)

Discusses the use of interactive media in computer-based training and describes a workbook and software package--Interactive Toolkit--designed for students learning to use interactive media. The package covers the basics of instructional design and how interactive media works, and a simple authoring system for creating computer-based training…

Describes Instructor's Plan (IP), a computer-based expert system that was developed for preservice and inservice school teachers to use for creating effective lesson plans more quickly and easily. Components of the system include instructional design principles, instructional strategies based on specific learning conditions, and eight levels of…

Describes and compares various assumptions of instructional design and of constructivism, some of which have been raised in other articles in this issue. Topics discussed include instructional design theory; instructional systems theory; mental models; categories of knowledge; knowledge representation; instructional strategies; collaborative…

The pedagogical model views trainees as passive recipients; andragogy assumes learner self-direction. A contingency approach to adult learning recognizes a need for individualized approaches based on an assessment of trainee characteristics. (SK)

This second installment in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference held at Utah State University in 1987 reviews the main points of Merrill's Learning Theory. The performance content matrix is explained, primary presentation forms are described, and the concepts of student responsibility and learner control are discussed. (Three…

The University of Wyoming uses two-way audio teleconferencing to deliver instruction to distant learners. The design of telecourses follows five stages: faculty recruitment, precourse discussions with the course coordinator, faculty workshop, small-group instructional diagnosis for midcourse feedback, and final course evaluation. (SK)

Discusses the field of instructional systems technology (IST) and suggests the need for new models of learning. The change in learning psychology from behaviorism to cognitive psychology is described, a constructivistic approach to IST is explained, and cognitive tools including intelligent tutoring systems are considered. (Nine references) (LRW)

The Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt addresses concerns related to constructivism and instructional design that were raised in an earlier issue. Relationship of ecological psychology and constructivist theory is described, constraints on constructed knowledge are discussed, and the complexity of the Jasper series of math problems that…

Examines the implications of the term "goal directed," or "intentional behavior," in the context of instructional design strategies. Models developed by Piaget and Vygotsky regarding development and learning are reviewed; intentionality and situated activities are discussed and examples given; and principles regarding…

Introduces the topic of strategies education, summarizing the contributions to this special issue on strategies education. Emphasizes the importance of collaborations between researchers and practitioners to ensure that strategies education programs are practical and implementable. (MDM)

Large numbers of part-time adult educators necessitate staff development. Effective staff development should determine needs, define audience, identify clear objectives, match content with needs, and involve participants actively. (SK)

In social learning theory, perception of self-efficacy derives from accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Four corresponding instructional methods (practice, modeling, suggestion, climate setting) can be designed to ensure transfer of learning. (SK)

The human brain is triune--controlling physical activity, emotion, and cognition. Strategies for dealing with the affective element, such as creating self-awareness, positive self-concept, trust, and acceptance, are important influences upon learning. (SK)