Discuses the relationship between philosophy and learning theory and explores implications for instructional design. Highlights include epistemology and ontology; historical trends in philosophy; philosophy and instructional science; and a philosophically grounded instructional design model. (Contains 51 references.) (Author/LRW)

The categories of models associated with the seven perspectives are designated as combinatorial models, sampling models, cybernetic models, game models, critical thinking models, ordinary language analysis models, and dynamic structural models. (DAG)

According to Peirce, diagrammatic constructions are represented by words in a sentence, an algebraic formula, or a graphic display. They are the basis of all valid reasoning and provide significant means for discovering unexpected truths. Sources and uses of diagrams in education are discussed in relation to Peirce's ideas. Nineteen references are…

Reviews prior research on learning from instruction, presents an illustrative analysis of one relatively well studied area of research, and proposes a procedure that probabilistically increases control over theoretically significant cognitive causes of instructional effects. A 30-item reference list accompanies the text. (Author/JL)

This discussion of metalearning theories and thinking skills in relation to instructional design highlights other papers presented in this journal issue. Topics discussed include properties of skills; problem solving; the concept of psychological sets in contrast to the concept of skill; and the organization of previously acquired systematic…

Outlines a proposed model for understanding the human information processing system, which is conceptualized in terms of three interrelated major elements--executive, working, and long-term memory--with emphasis on the structure of long-term memory. Thirty-one references are listed. (MBR)

A discussion of how quiz questions can be very effective teachers. They may condition students to study in particular ways, to attend to some types of information and ignore others, and they may determine how the student processes information. (Author)

The proposed three-step strategy for research on human information processing--concept hierarchy analysis, analysis of example sets to teach relations among concepts, and analysis of problem sets to build a progressively larger schema for the problem space--may lead to practical procedures for instructional design and task analysis. Sixty-four…

Presents the current status and new perspectives on the Structured Learning Theory (SLT), with special consideration given to how SLT has been influenced by recent research in software engineering. Topics include theoretical constructs; content domains; structural analysis; cognition; assessing behavior potential; and teaching and learning issues,…

An expose on how assumptions, values, attitudes, and behaviors are acquired through man-made things, and how resulting change occurs in the educational system. (HB)

The model described, which views the learner as a resource-limited system that has to transform instructional information, includes six factors for expected success. Although based on microscopic psychological theories, it can be applied at more macroscopic levels of analysis by increasing the size of instructional units. Five references are…

Cognitive load theory suggests that the manner in which information is presented can interfere with learning. For example, in studying equations with unfamiliar notations, a heavy extraneous cognitive load is generated because mental integration of notations and meanings is required. Discusses four experiments with high school students designed to…

In this response to commentaries provided on their original paper, "Beyond Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Situations, Interactions, Processes and Affordances," the authors elaborate on the aims of their conceptualization, focusing on the nature of affordances and situations. (AEF)

An overview and analysis of the use of learning hierarchies in instruction and research, examines some current research on learning hierarchies, and considers the implications of this research for instructional psychology and for theories of cognitive development. (Author)

Constructivist theory argues that students construct knowledge for themselves and that each knows the world in a different way. The problem for education is how students can construct an "objectified" knowledge. Outlines an integrative framework for the description of information and problem-solving procedures and a problem-solving…