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…

Shows how elaboration theory (ET) sequences the concepts in a taxonomy and argues that the product of an ET analysis is usually in general agreement with sequencing based on learning prerequisite relationships, and that ET sequencing of taxonomic concepts will not violate learning prerequisite relationships. (Author/MER)

The concept "trochiac meter" was taught to 180 college Ss by means of eight treatment conditions. The independent variables involved presenting a definition (D) or instances (E) or both combined with attribute definition (A) and/or atrribute prompting (P). Dependent variables were corrected classification and specified classification…

Outlines Component Design Theory, which is based on the author's earlier Component Display Theory, and provides the instructional design guidance needed for experiential computer based instructional systems. Highlights include a contrast between tutorial and experiential instructional models, content structures, consistency rules, instructional…

Discusses the relationship of constructivism with instructional design theory. Topics discussed include instructional systems development; objectives; learning versus instruction; deep learning versus surface learning; situated learning versus formal instruction; adaptive learning; and the role of interactive educational technology in the design…

Examines instructional design theories and elaborates principles about when learning is promoted, i.e., when learners are engaged in solving real-world problems, when existing knowledge is activated as a foundation for new knowledge, and when new knowledge is demonstrated to the learner, applied by the learner, and integrated into the learner's…

A discussion of research on the use of the task analysis procedures by both content specialists and instructional psychologists in instructional design. (HB)

Reviews instructional design techniques that are suggested for improving the quality and effectiveness of educational software. Three areas of instructional design are addressed: (1) instructional strategies, including provision, examples and active feedback; (2) screen display, including text style variety; and (3) human factors, including…