Despite the best of intentions, qualitative researchers can be faced, in some circumstances, with having to make meaning from thin, or less than optimal, data. Using a real study as context, the authors describe the ways that they made sense of their thin data on teachers' perceptions of a large-scale evaluation instrument. They propose a…

Reviews instructional design research and theory and relates it to the design of computer-based instructional materials. Instructional design guidelines are offered to aid software developers in making design decisions on three macrolevel and four microlevel of instruction. (Author/LRW)

The study with 34 gifted fifth-grade students found that a concrete sequential approach to developing visual literacy was more effective than an abstract visualization approach. Subjects either received guided visualization or direct instruction on such art concepts as shape, form, line, color, perspective, variety, and unity. (DB)

Measured children's (n=182) competence at syllogistic reasoning and in solving a series of problems requiring inductive reasoning. Reports that syllogistic reasoning and inductive reasoning were significantly correlated with both simultaneous and successive synthesis. Provides a basis for understanding the roles of spatial and verbal-logical…

This study found that a group of 20 children (ages 6-12) with autism and a group of 20 children with developmental receptive language disorder both manifested a relative sequential processing deficit. The groups did not differ significantly on overall sequential and simultaneous processing capabilities relative to their degree of language…

Outlines research conducted at Brigham Young University to identify effective, efficient computer-based drill and practice instructional strategies for teaching paired associate or multiple discrimination tasks. A sophisticated computer-based drill and practice is contrasted with a simple flashcard strategy. Research supporting the sophisticated…

Reports on a study that compared the use of standard lesson planning to sequential teaching by prospective teachers. Concludes that task analysis and the sequential approach may improve instruction by providing students with an opportunity for mastery and a positive learning experience through frequent success. (CFR)

Purpose: With the increased importance of training in organizations, creating important and meaningful programs are critical to an organization and its members. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a four-phase systematic approach to designing and evaluating training programs that promotes collaboration between organizational leaders, trainers,…

Reviews study of 80 undergraduate sociology students which compared the effects of two types of sequencing in computer assisted instruction: (1) linear, or fixed, and (2) flip, or branching. Results indicate that students in the flip sequence condition performed better on comprehension measures but not on retention measures. (Author/LRW)

A review of 20 research studies on the use of constant time delay in teaching chained tasks is analyzed in regard to demographic variables (participants, settings), procedural variables (probe format, delay sessions), outcome measures (effectiveness, generalization), and methodological adequacy (dependent and independent variable reliability). (DB)

Describes the theoretical backgrounds and empirical findings of three experimental studies in which computer-based response-sensitive strategies were investigated using concept learning tasks. The strategy applied focused on discrimination learning, generalization learning, and classification skill development in concept learning. A general…

Briefly reviews theoretical developments in adaptive instructional systems, defines six characteristics of intelligent computer-based management systems, and presents theory and research of Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System (MAIS). Generic programing codes for amount and sequence of instruction, instructional display time, and advisement…

Discusses the nature and sequencing of decisions involved in designing a game, simulation, or workshop from the theoretical perspective of course and curriculum design. A model for design is presented that incorporates objectives, teaching/learning methods, content, and assessment/evaluation, and other models are also discussed. (Author/LRW)

Reading disability subtypes were determined in 50 neurologically impaired students (ages 11-19), with and without reading disabilities. Subtypes found primarily in the reading-disabled sample were anomic-language disorder, dysphonetic and mixed dysphonetic-dyseidetic, oral reading deficit, intermodal association deficit, and sequential relations…

Examines two instructional strategies, the traditional and learning cycle approaches, and compares them with regard to the variables of sequence, format, and necessity. Concludes that students exposed to the laboratory and discussion type had higher test scores than those in the lecture or reading groups. (Author/RT)