Motivational design, a major component of the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model that describes how to understand the motivation to learn, is described in this second article of a two-part series. Topics addressed include audience analysis; motivational objectives, measures, and motivational strategy design; and…

Applies a systems approach to the development of expressive and communicative action of infants in the first year of life. Hypothesizes that the systems approach (which integrates expressive and communicative actions with other elements of the infant's physiology, cognition, behavior, and social environment) will explain previously unexplained…

Explains the computer-based modeling "language" of Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation (STELLA) and its applications to environmental education. Describes STELLA's interactive capabilities through an example of a program on predator-prey interactions. Recommends the use of STELLA for clarification of…

This article outlines the basic concepts in systemic therapy, including the nature of systemic behavior, the "punctuation" of behavior, the value of seeing behavior as "cooperative" rather than "resistant," and the concept of exception. Specific strategies school administrators and teachers can use when handling…

Advocates use of the systems approach to improve preservice teacher training programs. Describes components of the model developed by N. L. Gage and others: diagnosis of needs, programed training, nonprogrammed training, practice, assessment and revision, and classroom assignment and follow-up. (JHZ)

Discusses five of the most common approaches to planning adult education programs: pragmatic approach, Tyler approach, social psychology approach, community development approach, and systems approach. In addition to these, other adult educators offer more eclectic approaches to program planning. (CT)

Presents an activities assessment model based on Schumacher's concept of appropriate technology for assessing results of nonformal staff training activities. This model includes identifying training purposes, matching needs to capability levels, choosing source persons to judge student achievement, defining evidence and indicators, generating…

Studied the influence of counselor and client sex on relational communication patterns in counseling within a systems theory framework using audiotaped intake interviews of 36 counselors. Both counselor sex and and client sex were significant factors in participants' perceptions of each other during the intake. (JAC)

Identifies six needs assessment procedures applied in educational and other organizations, provides examples of how each is used, and discusses the relationship of needs assessment to problem solving. Kaufman's Outcomes Model is described and the Organizational Elements Model is presented as a pragmatic approach to contemporary decision making and…

A research-derived integrated system of curriculum development and instructional delivery called NEBEAT (Needs Based Education and Training) is described in relation to more traditional-behaviorally-based systems models. Four major components of curriculum design are examined as features which differentiate NEBEAT from its antecedents. (Author/MBR)

Research in assessment and intervention with developmentally disabled children has led to important advances in recent years. This article identifies conceptual and practical issues important to the process of behavioral assessment, and presents a framework for the behavioral assessment of the developmentally disabled, with special emphasis on…

It is argued that although many institutions conduct informal and unrecorded post-tenure faculty evaluations, these evaluations lack authority, and adoption of a system of regular, formal evaluations would allow institutions to avoid the crisis mentality most adopt concerning planning and staffing. (MSE)

Thoughts on planning, from the perspective of managers/administrators are presented. Eleven steps of the planning process are identified: statement of objective, proposal outline, management approval, organization, outline of plan, organization of data, evaluation of data, formulation of conclusions, review of draft plan, preparation of plan, and…

Representative examples of task analysis procedures were examined for common components, methods, and terminology. Resulting generic components were categorized into the task analysis phases of task description and instructional analysis. The generalized model that is presented contains a consensus of procedures comprising educational and…

Presents a process definition of task analysis and discusses how various techniques of analysis--breaking the task into its constituent elements, determining the relationship between these elements, and restructuring for performance and instruction--relate to this perspective. Two decision tables, a master design chart, and 28 references are…