Examines the implications of cognitive psychology for some of the fundamental components of instructional development. Behaviorism and information processing are compared in their relationships to instructional design, and potential changes for such ideas as objectives, evaluation, instructional taxonomies, content analysis, and instructional…

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)

Three models were conceptualized for facilitating student-directed learning: teacher-guided, group-planned, and individual-oriented. Undergraduates in an educational psychology course were studied using the Involvement Behavior Questionnaire and the Inquiry Fluency Task. All three experimental treatments encouraged student involvement. The…

This theoretical model for message design directs the designer to design a block of time that optimizes the information load and message complexity within the constraints of the receiver's abilities and experience, the requirements of the source, and the capabilities and limitations of the medium. (Author/JEG)

Junior high school and college students participated in three experiments that explored the effects of postquestion treatments on learning from slide/tape presentations. Results seem to indicate that inserted postquestions can increase the learning of question relevant information without impairing learning efficiency. (Author/JEG)

A lab study was conducted to test the effect of different kinds of instruction in copying tasks, which are considered to be a fundamental function in the area of psycho-motor skills. The study was organized as a two-way design with 24 eight-year-old Ss. (Editor)

Setting high standards will not cause excellent student performance. Standards must be set for the everyday work teachers expect of students. Work-design standards are needed to protect students from pointless teacher-generated work. Greater coherence and focus for learning will occur if secondary schools are designed backward from worthy tasks…

A decade after mathematicians began a crusade to make calculus more relevant to undergraduate students ("Reform Calculus"), a backlash threatens to derail the effort and divide the profession. Critics charge the movement has watered down mathematics courses, teaching only superficial use of skills. The debate is fierce and the stakes…

Describes an instructional unit integrating three educational innovations: a problem-solving video (Adventures of Jasper Woodbury), a structure for collaborative learning, Fostering Communities of Learners (FCL), and Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE). Argues that each innovation supports collaboration in a distinct way…

Gives an overview of service-learning principles and a rationale for transforming traditional courses into service-learning courses. Presents small-group techniques for problem solving and increasing group service-learning success. Draws on author experience and research in other disciplines. Argues that, when theories of classroom instruction are…

Discusses three ways that instructional design theories can change over time: (1) revision via evolution of models to reflect the outcomes that are being achieved with its current use; (2) revision to reflect current understanding of technology; and (3) complete replacement of present theory with another more powerful theory. Describes the…

Reviewing training and performance support materials ensures quality and builds the developer's skills. Examines the review process, reviewing to build skills, self-reviewing, technological aids, and feedback; provides guidelines for reviewers and developers; and suggests techniques for development improvement. Outlines suggested review stages and…

Responds to a critique by Alistair Inglis of a previous article dealing with instructional industrialism and educational technology in open learning and distance education. Topics include paradigm shifts; instructional design; behaviorism and cognitive psychology; the relationship between practice, research, and theory; and possibilities for…

Compares the ways teaching material is designed in two European distance universities, the German FernUniversitaet (a classical university operating at a distance) and the Dutch Open Universiteit (an open/flexible institution). Outlines the pedagogical and methodological issues involved and shows how institutional constraints have affected…

Explores the different perceptions of community college and four-year institution library professionals toward bibliographic instruction (BI) for transfer students based on a SUNY (State University of New York) study. Topics include a literature review, the use of a written survey and interviews, and differences in instructional design and faculty…