A review of the research literature on systematic instructional design indicates that few empirically supported guidelines exist for testing materials under development and for improving materials on the basis of feedback from potential learners. In an analysis of 17 textbooks on instructional design, eight specific aspects to be considered in…

Described and evaluated are microcomputer units of instruction that were developed for use in undergraduate geography courses. Students responded favorably to the modules--"Socioeconomic Patterns,""Economic Rent,""Sampling Distribution of Sample Means,""Land Use Competition,""Data Classing,""Weather and Climate," and "Landforms." (RM)

A review of the literature on systematic instructional design suggests that few empirically tested guidelines exist for testing and revising materials during the development stages. The revision process can broadly be based on one of two distinct strategies, internal review or developmental testing. Internal review strategies include referring…

To investigate the hypothesis that the process of curriculum development affects curriculum outcomes, three curricula for the same purpose were developed, each using a different approach. The task was to improve the mathematics curriculum at a college of electrical engineering in Zug (Switzerland). The task, which involved developing an…

The organization and activities of the Center for Instructional Development at Appalachian State University, North Carolina, are outlined. The Center is involved with instructional and faculty development in higher education. Basic responsibilities of the Center are development, evaluation, and media support services. The following aspects of the…

A systematic approach to the improvement of courses, programs and curricula in higher education is presented in the following chapters: (1) "Benefits of a Systematic Approach to Course and Curriculum Improvement"; (2) "Making the Decision to Create or Redesign a Course or Program"; (3) "Selecting a Design Team and Establishing Goals and…

The effectiveness of a teacher-made slide-tape presentation for training experienced business teachers to teach the Intensive Office Program (IOP)--a high school course incorporating office practice, office machines, advanced typewriting and shorthand--was field tested. Three groups were involved: undergraduate non-business education students,…

This document summarizes what was learned from a 3-year Manchester (United Kingdom) project designed to combat racism in higher education and the community. The lessons learned from the study are intended to help other colleges focus on the issue of racism and how it can be tackled openly in a community education context. After some background…

A detailed formative evaluation was conducted on a series of seven competency-based inservice modules designed for use by currently employed vocational and special educators. The topics of the module series focused on instructional development and on coordination of services and programming for special needs students in secondary programs. A…

Reflects on reasons why the New Social Studies movement failed. Analyzes five developments to account for its failure. Discusses the author's establishment of Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Teaching Center. Explains how lessons from earlier attempts at educational reform have been applied at CMU. Reviews the New Social Studies movement's…

The development of resources for improved instruction and professional development of University of North Dakota faculty members, which was funded by the Bush Foundation, is reviewed. The primary grant activity was the creation of an Office of Instructional Development and the expansion of existing efforts to enhance the quality of instruction at…