Describes study that compared the attainment gains of Guyanan secondary school children in science and geography following two different learning regimes, i.e., systematically designed learning materials, and conventional teaching. Implications of the results for curriculum design and teacher training are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Presents a model of the role of instructional feedback in learning a motor skill and identifies six levels of motor skill output, each of which has a characteristic type of feedback. The usefulness of several feedback techniques reported in the literature is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study in which 245 university students ranked their preferences among typographical variants of typeface, size, emphasis, and interline space in 16 paragraphs. Six references are listed. (CHC)

Case study of curriculum change in McMaster University's medical education program presents reasons, processes, and results of this change, with emphasis on education for capability. An approach to curriculum design for medical education is proposed, and questions are posed about defining needed competencies, fostering their development, and…

A study to assess techniques for presenting information in tape-slide format compared the effectiveness of a projected viewing guide with that of a printed viewing guide or tape-slide only, using pretest and posttest to assess retention. The projected guide resulted in improved retention of information. Fifteen references are listed. (EAO)

An exploratory study sought reactions from adult students to study materials provided for them in an independent study program. This study is part of an effort to improve instructional materials for distance education by relating the actual study strategies used by students to instructional design components. (EAO)

Develops a theory of mediated learning from practice. Problems inherent in developing theories are reviewed; general assumptions are identified; and a descriptive theory is generated that identifies favorable factors facilitating learning. Factors are checked for consistency and used to generate hypotheses for collecting research data capable of…

Describes model for evaluating computer-assisted instruction (CAI) that includes training needs; instructional objectives; types of learning; organization of program content; and the design of instructional modes. Also discussed are evaluation of CAI courseware and student-oriented review of courseware, and a condensed evaluation checklist is…

Describes the development of a set of training modules based on the learning by example paradigm, with modules differing in the degree of guidance offered to the learner. The program structure is outlined, and three kinds of loops used to adapt the program to the learner's performance are discussed. (MBR)

Describes the theoretical framework of a research project aimed at exploring the new potentials for instructional systems offered by videodisc technology and artificial intelligence. A prototype of an intelligent tutoring system, "Earth," is described, and types of interactions in instructional systems are discussed as they relate to the…

Discusses the role of the tutorial as a teaching method suitable for developing a student's verbal skills of discussion, questioning, and group interaction, and describes a study which measured active student participation in tutorials. Strategies by which tutors can increase this participation are suggested. (EAO)

Presents an overview of a course on robotics and automation developed by the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT) to be offered through an open learning environment in the United Kingdom. Highlights include hardware and software requirements, an educational model, design principles, and future developments. (LRW)

Description of a study which formulated a model of the cognitive processes involved in learning statistics material via computer assisted learning (CAL) focuses on mode of presentation (aural or visual), sequence of the material, and previous mathematical experience. Textual analysis is discussed and implications of the results for design of CAL…

Describes a British study with undergraduate accountancy students which compared the quantitative and qualitative effects of three types of embedded tasks or questions--relational-semantic, transpose-semantic, and non-semantic--on learning outcomes. Variables investigated included mathematical background, recall, and comprehension. Relevance of…