Theoretical and research literature on learner, program, and adaptive control as forms of instructional management are critiqued in reference to the design of computer-based instruction. An adaptive control strategy using an online, iterative algorithmic model is proposed. (RAO)

One hundred undergraduates were taught a concept task in which four experimental treatments and a control treatment were compared. Results indicated that presentation of examples is not sufficient: the relationships between these examples are critical for adequate instruction, even when the definitions remain the same. (Author/JEG)

The Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System research program investigates variables and conditions that improve learning through adaptive instructional strategies. The macro- level component of the system includes a learner model, knowledge base, and expert tutor model. At the micro-level there are nine variables which form the possible…

The strategy variables investigated were: 1) sequence, a presentation of instances according to a defined relationship of the stimuli--organized versus random; and 2) analytical explanation, a verbal statement presented with each instance which analyzed the presence or absence of the critical attributes. Concept learning implications were…

This paper discusses two related areas in which recent advancements in cognitive science and educational technology may affect instructional design theory. These are: (1) the analysis of information-to-be-learned; and (2) the linkage of learning theory to instructional prescriptions. The first area proposes extensions to current methods of…

Three design strategies for selecting number of instructional instances needed in concept learning were investigated. Two strategies used adaptive procedures for the selection, while a nonadaptive strategy selected instances by number of associated attributes. The data analysis showed that the full adaptive strategy (using pretask and on-task…

A total of 132 volunteer 10th and 11th grade students participated in an experiment to investigate two variables of computer-based adaptive instructional strategies for concept learning. The first variable tested the hypothesis that selection of number of examples according to on-task information is more efficient than selection according to…

Describes a study comparing learner control and program control, and the effects of giving learners information about their achievements in relation to criterion during instruction. Success was measured in terms of posttest scores, time on task, and number of instructional examples required. References are included. (Author/BK)

Three strategies for selecting number of instances needed to learn legal concepts were compared. An adaptive strategy required 25 percent less time and resulted in better post test performance than a partially adaptive strategy. The partially adaptive strategy was 16 percent more efficient than the nonadaptive strategy, and resulted in better…