Examines 44 published research studies involving advance organizers, and evaluates four specific predictions of assimilation theory. Analysis of the specific qualifications and specific predictions of assimilation theory suggests that assimilation theory is well supported by the results of advance organizer studies. (Author/RAO)

A synthesis is presented of the various rationales which predict the facilitative influence of instructional objectives on learning and retention. (Author)

Discusses the use of visual media as symbol systems that gather, package, and convey knowledge. Media's different and often unique symbol systems are looked at as potentially serving as cultivators of mental abilities. Forty-nine references are provided. (Author/CHC)

Discusses the importance of models of instruction and the need to consider subject-matter structure in organizing instruction. The components of the elaboration model and variations in the model for different kinds of goals are described. (Author/CHC)

Examines learning in the domain of sentence parsing and syntax tree-diagram construction to assess whether subjects could learn "vicariously" from recordings of interactions between a previous student and a tutor. Findings indicate that reusable dialog is a useful resource for the vicarious learner and that unannotated animated diagrams…

A study of variations in pupils' prior knowledge for their influence on the sequencing mode of text presentation found prior knowledge reduced the effect of size of sequencing procedures. A second experiment comparing performance of pupils with low prior knowledge level using websequence and linear sequence found webteaching was superior.…

Problem-based learning is a student-centered pedagogical strategy that poses real-world situations and provides resources, guidance, instruction, and opportunities for reflection. Examines problem-based learning, provides a rationale for its use in the curriculum, identifies problems inherent in designing and implementing problem-based learning,…

During three discussion sessions, two groups of five teachers each developed a shared lesson plan, one for each group, for the teaching of a difficult economic concept. Differences in learning outcomes are interpreted in light of observed differences in how the concept was dealt with in the different classrooms. (Author/AEF)

Describes changes in the instructional designer's role with the development of intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI). A shift in decision-making from the design to the implementation phase of instruction is emphasized, as the designer writes rules that allow systems to select methods once instruction has begun. Seventy-nine references…

New knowledge is made meaningful by relating it to prior knowledge. Although meaningfulness usually relates new knowledge to prior superordinate knowledge, arbitrarily meaningful knowledge, coordinate, subordinate, and analogic ideas, experiential knowledge, and cognitive strategy also facilitate learning. Optimization of prior knowledge is done…

Discusses factors which influence how people learn through television, including the organization of teaching, the programs, and the learner. A theoretical framework is proposed to identify or predict those variables which are likely to influence the effectiveness of a television program. (CHC)

Presents 257 abridged abstracts of articles from volumes 1-15 of "Instructional Science," an international interdisciplinary journal that deals with the nature, theory, and practice of the instructional process and the learning that follows. (LRW)

Provides historical perspective on the contributions of learning and instruction to instructional theory and discusses some major obstacles currently inhibiting its growth. Suggestions for future development of this discipline are provided. Emphasis is placed on the process of theory construction perceived by philosophers of natural and social…

Sketches the development of didactic research in France in the field of language and literature over the past two decades. Proposes answers to these questions: What is the status of the notions taught by the discipline? How are these notions constituted? What is the role of values and knowledge in school exercises and school goals? What is to be…

Compares the expert, spiral, and reading approaches to instructional strategies for introductory computer programming courses. Based on ACT (Adaptive Control of Thought) theory and relevant research, the differences between declarative and procedural instruction are identified, and six tactics used to design courses and evaluate strategies are…