Rejecting the cybernetic model of the learner, the author offers an open-system model based on von Bertalanffy's equation for growth of the living organism. The model produces four learning curves, not just the logarithmic curve produced by the successive approximations of the cybernetic model. (Editor)

Discusses the field of instructional systems technology (IST) and suggests the need for new models of learning. The change in learning psychology from behaviorism to cognitive psychology is described, a constructivistic approach to IST is explained, and cognitive tools including intelligent tutoring systems are considered. (Nine references) (LRW)

Intended as a memorial to Robert G. Sidnell, this special issue contains articles about areas of music education which he promoted. In "The Dimensions of Research in Music Education," Sidnell concluded that music education research encompasses all humanistic disciplines as well as the behavioral and social sciences. James Carlsen, in…

A definition and brief history of the learner analysis function as it relates to instructional development. (HB)

Discussion of situated cognition and legitimate peripheral participation focuses on responses to criticism of an earlier article. Highlights include postmodernism; modern rationalism; educational technology; the distinction between information and judgment; feminist and critical theories; knowledge creation; constructivism; and instructional…

The need for an empirically defensible means of sequencing instruction appears to have been the primary motivator for research into learning hierarchies. Also, valid learning hierarchies could act as congealing forces in individualizing instructional systems by providing psychological roadmaps for diagnosing students' preinstructional skills and…

A discussion of the role of task analysis in theory of instruction and theory of learning set within the broader context of theory of knowledge. (HB)

An outline of some instructional principles by which reading instruction may be analyzed. (Author/HB)

Learner-controlled instruction (LCI provides a model for developing the self-directed learners modern society requires. LCI allows the student to specify goals, to control significant resources to attain them, and to choose learning strategies, thus enabling him to learn how to learn. It appears that the environment needed to support this model…

The ideas for innovations in learning systems in this report are based on a scenario being developed for the Minnesota Experimental City. The primary function of the new system being developed in Minnesota is to assist the individual learner to discover his interests, assess his needs, set his learning objectives, and pursue these objectives. The…

Strategies are presented for the following classes of training objectives: recall of knowledge, use of verbal information, rule learning and use, decision making, detecting, classifying, identifying symbols, voice communication, recall of procedures and positioning, steering and guiding, continuous movement, and performance of gross motor skills.…

In this survey, an attempt is made to summarize the perspective on so-called 'misconceptions' research of those whose work in this field has not been guided by learning theory. Following the terminology of Driver and Erickson (1983), this research is called 'problem-oriented' in this paper. Its epistemological assumptions and assumptions about…

Discusses changes needed in the field of educational technology and recommends future directions. Topics discussed include instructional theories; descriptive versus prescriptive theories; analysis versus synthesis; a formative evaluation approach to research; the relationship of research and development; organizational methods for instruction;…

This manual is designed to help Army training personnel select and implement a specific approach to achieving specific training goals. Following a general learning model, general training principles are summarized. The rest of the manual shows how specific learning principles are associated with groups of learner performances. Training goals…