A historical perspective is provided of instructional theories, and some comments are presented on five papers from a session of the 1998 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). There is a large array of contemporary instructional design theories and models, and the number of theories is increasing. Some ways of…

Introduces the articles of this theme issue, which aim to clarify the conditions under which multiple forms of representation are likely to support comprehension in multimedia learning environments and how specific features of multimedia can help learners learn complex subject matter. (SLD)

Asserts that use of case studies and reflection statements in Silverman and Casazza's book helps to link educational theory to practice and reinforce the TRPP (theory, research, principles, and practice) model. Concludes that this book can help learners, educators, and teachers work toward an active learning environment and that the book would…

Comments on the papers of this theme issue, which are concerned with the impact of verbal and nonverbal representations in acquiring expertise in complex domains. Outlines lessons from first generation work in this field and issues for second generation research. (SLD)

Identifies and summarizes instructional messages in the articles in this theme issue and also identifies central theoretical issues, focusing on: (1) external representations; (2) dual coding theory; and (3) the effects of animations on learning. (SLD)

This introduction to the special issue shows how it brings together and integrates the most recent theoretical, empirical and practical developments in the field of interest and learning. (SLD)

Introduces this special issue focusing on eight projects designed to promote complex learning using technology with an associated chapter of commentary. Highlights key issues related to the use of technology and lists 14 learner-centered psychological principles for complex learning. (SLD)

Learner-centered principles espoused by the American Psychological Association (APA) built on research of the last three decades suggest that learning does not simply entail coordinated cognitive processes. These 12 principles portray factors associated with learning as essential parts of the portrayal of learners as active creators of their own…

Some comments are provided about challenges facing the "instructional theory community," and specific remarks are made about papers presented at a session on expectations about instructional theory at the 1998 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) (Session 2). An area of particular interest is that of…

Some reflections are made on the historical context of instructional theory, and comments are presented on some papers from a session of the American Educational Research Association's 1998 annual meeting. A number of current innovations in instructional theory can actually be found among topics that have been discussed at various times in the…

Discusses how teaching and learning are generally portrayed in children's books. Examines Morley Callaghan's "Luke Baldwin's Vow," noting that this novel deliberately invites the reader to watch the learning processes of its characters. (MM)

Maintains that strengths of Olson and Torrance's work include its balanced focus on child and curriculum. Argues that the book neglects affective, social, and cultural aspects of development. Argues that the book's avoidance of ethnic categorization could encourage or justify avoiding issues of differences in human development and equity in…

In a recent article, D. Stewart has misrepresented the positions of some of those who view teachers as facilitators of learning. The author defines four principles that represent a sensible interpretation of facilitating learning. The idea of the teacher as facilitator actually holds great promise for improved teaching. (SLD)

Reviews five books on instructional improvement: "The Effective Classroom" (Bert Creemers); "Universal Teaching Strategies" (H.J. Freiberg); "Changing Teachers, Changing Times" (A. Hargreaves); "Horace's Hope" (Theodore Sizer); and "Education for All" (Robert Slavin). Each book stresses the…

Reviews an autobiographical account of Fred Keller's experiences, documenting how traditional methods of instruction failed him both as a student and as a teacher, and how this failure motivated his quest for alternative methods of instruction culminating in the development of a personalized system of instruction. (KS)