Most training is evaluated at the level of trainee reaction and some at the level of learning but very little at the level of behavior and results. Three methods for identifying evaluation criteria for these levels are cost-benefit analysis, impact analysis, and total quality management. (SK)

A project to improve health professionals' education focused on changing the academic/institutional context by resolving problems in developing clinical teaching and on changing the social context through university-community collaboration and collection of information about community health needs. (SK)

Examines the relationship of instructional designers and content experts and suggests methods to make these relationships more successful, including simplifying language to eliminate jargon; emphasizing the benefits of instructional design involvement; and focusing on interpersonal communication skills. Four sample scripts for instructional…

Advocates treating at-risk learners as all learners are treated to improve the chances of helping these learners become successful. Discusses organizing instruction, focusing on concepts, stimulating higher-order thinking, and using content area resources effectively. (SR)

Discusses instructional design and describes the development of a support system for course design called AGD (French acronym for Didactic Engineering Workbench). Highlights include categories of computer tools that support course design, including computer-assisted instruction, instructional design expert systems, and job aids; knowledge modeling…

Discusses the link between testing and the content of instruction and proposes a method for generating large numbers of objective-relevant test items for instructional programs in high schools, higher education, and training situations. Higher level thinking outcomes are discussed, item sets are described, and generic scenarios and questioning are…

Motivation theories may be applied in educational contexts to improve student attitudes and learning achievement. Keller's ARCS Model of Motivational Design stresses attention, relevance, satisfaction, and confidence. Attention and relevance make instruction stimulating, whereas satisfaction and confidence create positive expectations. Through…

Describes results of a nationwide survey of libraries that was conducted to obtain an objective measure of the purpose and character of formal and informal library instruction. Responses from special libraries are emphasized, including library demographics, purpose and mechanics of instruction, conceptual aspects of instruction, and desired…

Discusses the role that technology must play in schools to be effective in changing the nature of students' learning. The relationship between schools, society, and technology is examined; the traditional research approach is described as inappropriate; and new design experiments that use successive refinement to improve innovative instructional…

When adult students in off-campus classes (n=192) completed the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, females were closer to the feeling type, males to the thinking type. Among these nontraditional students, females had distinct personality differences compared to a sample of traditional-age female students; male nontraditional students were relatively…

Discusses instructional design; examines various analyses which should be made as part of instructional development, including needs analysis, front-end analysis, job analysis, task analysis, training analysis, and learning analysis; and describes steps in a learning analysis that is less labor-intensive and time-consuming. A learning analysis…

This study examined effects of three increasing levels of curriculum compacting on the instructional practices of 470 elementary school teachers with gifted students in regular classes. Teachers were able to eliminate between 24% and 70% of the curriculum across content areas for more capable students but required assistance in designing…

Reviews articles in this issue that deal with theories of constructivism from the point of view of an instructional designer. Highlights include technology and constructivism; generative learning environments; learning processes; assessment; learning strategies; knowledge domains; learner control; and suggestions for both constructivists and…

A seven-step instructional modification process was devised to match adaptations to individual needs of students with mild disabilities. The steps include clarification of elements under teacher control; decision about whether or not a problem exists; selection and grouping of modifications; and selection of modification option and implementation.…

Defines performance technology, compares performance technology with instructional technology, and suggests ways to incorporate performance technology into graduate programs in instructional design and technology. Curriculum changes are discussed, similarities in analysis and needs assessment activities are highlighted, and the need for continuing…