The paper describes an instructional material evaluation model that is based on R. Mager's approach to task analysis and may be applied to the selection of materials for learning disabled children. Procedures for listing specific objectives are reviewed, and steps for using the model to evaluate materials are presented. (SBH)

Task analysis procedures are used to determine the instructional importance of job tasks, and objectives are structured directly from task analysis information. The author examines the translation of this information into instructional outcomes and the determination of the functional relationship between job tasks and instructional components. (MF)

The U.S. Civil Service Commission conducted three criterion-related validity studies for its PACE Test. Three occupations were examined using a specially designed supervisory rating form, job information test, and work sample. A computer analyzed task inventory was the keystone of the study. (Editor/SJL)

Task analysis provides a means of effectively incorporating current learning theory and practice into instructional development methodology. It yields results applicable to specifying performance objectives, designing instructional activities, determining teaching strategies, and evaluating performance. (Author/BP)

The difficulty of four binary conceptual rules (conjunctive, disjunctive, conditional, and biconditional) was assessed using the rule-learning paradigm in a variety of stimulus populations. (Editor)

Metacompetence is the ability to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate one's own learning. Outlines the relationship between metacompetence and cooperative learning, describes the analysis of learning tasks and the use of the SOLO (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome) taxonomy as a means of evaluating quality of competence. Concludes that…

Investigated whether planning opportunity results in increased focus on form at the level of strategic attention to form during planning time, as well as at the level of production outcomes during task performance. Results provide support for the claim that planning before doing a second language task can promote an increased focus on form.…

Investigates the relationship between tasks and learners in task-based learning. Findings suggest that manipulation of task characteristics and conditions may not achieve the intended pedagogic outcomes, and that new ways are needed to focus learners' attention of form without sacrificing the meaning-driven principles of task-based learning.…

Discusses the increased emphasis on problem solving and problem-based learning in instructional design and the need for new methods for task analysis and models for designing instruction. Defines the rationale and means for analyzing, organizing, and presenting stories to support problem solving by case-based reasoning. (Author/LRW)

Deals with the organization of children's interaction in a school setting where the teacher is absent. Basing the analysis on a 30-minute session where a small mixed-group of pupils are working on a math problem, examines the ways in which the children accomplish the task, the on-task talk through which they organize and work through a particular…

Two experiments evaluated a program for establishing phonemic segmentation in 16 moderately retarded children, aged 6-19. One assessed whether failure to isolate final phonemes of Consonant-Vowel-Consonant words was due to task requirements or inadequate understanding of task demands. The second evaluated effects of time-based stimulus…

How the dual-task interference effects, observed when subjects attempted to simultaneously perform two simple tasks, are related to capacity limitations in perceptual processing of complex visual displays was studied. Results for a total of 110 undergraduates in 6 experiments support a 2-component theory of divided attention. (SLD)

A survey of 120 executives at eight United States organizations attempted to find out what executives thought about the meetings they attended, and to find out what an organization could do to make meetings more productive. Provides five tips for making meetings matter. (MLF)

Describes the seven steps involved in delegation: task identification, analysis of skill requirements; delegate selection, communication of performance criteria, assignment of task and necessary resources, monitoring procedures, and feedback to delegate. Outlines the benefits of delegation to the organization, the manager, and subordinates.…

Examined effects of task context and difficulty on mother-child instructional interactions and the role of maternal views about task context and difficulty. Mothers taught what they thought the particular context required and varied their teaching according to what they believed to be true of their children. (BG)