Argues that too much emphasis is currently being placed on vertical analyses of course content, aggravated by the fragmentation of content into numerous objectives stated as learning outcomes. The approach proposed is to focus upon the relationships between major coordinate course elements, and the use of task-based objectives to enable students…

From the present study it can be inferred that blacks are at least as capable of assuming intrinsic orientations to achievement as are whites, and that such orientations relate closely to the intrinsic values associated with specific tasks. (Author/AM)

Suggestions are given for people working on a summer curriculum writing team. (SK)

A three dimensional classification of psychological attributes of media is proposed. Using this classification system to related media, learner, and task characteristics may lead to a rational approach to media selection. (Author/STS)

The author states that the most accurate, realistic, and credible method of assessing individual abilities is expensive and difficult. This method, which he describes, uses assessment centers to measure individuals' competence by having them attempt job tasks under controlled conditions. Implications for trainers are included. (Author/CH)

The backward chaining instructional method, based on behavioral learning principles, offers swimming instructors an alternative to traditional methods of teaching swimming skills by breaking down the skill into a number of tasks or steps and teaching them in reverse sequence. (CB)

Through survey research, data were obtained about the tasks performed by administrative support workers who use information/word processing equipment and related technology. Findings support a redefinition of administrative support occupations and resulted in the development of the "Information Processing Specialist" catalog of job-relevant tasks.…

A project requiring undergraduate students to prepare job analyses and use them to develop other personnel procedures is described. The project requires analysis of a job, preparation of task statements, and description of requisite abilities for that job. Discusses positive feedback from students and provides recommendations for instructors.…

The study investigated relationships between type of prompt and type of task by teaching 32 mentally retarded adults two tasks (visual discrimination and a motoric assembly task) using two types of prompts (gestural and physical guidance). Results failed to support either the traditional response prompts hierarchy or the existence of a prompt-task…

Discusses various aspects of computerized testing: advantages of immediate feedback, on-the-spot score reporting, retention of scores on disks, the computer's potential as a simulation device, expert tests, embedded tests, intelligent tests, and adaptive testing. (CT)

An occupational inventory was completed by 100 Illinois electronic sales and service technicians and electronics field engineers. Data were collected on the following questions: What tasks are performed on the job by computer equipment repairers? and What tools/equipment are used on the job by computer equipment repairers? Results are examined.…

A case study illustrates the development and monitoring of daily instructional objectives and activities based on five components: the Individualized Education Program (IEP), an objectives list, a task analysis and instructional sequence worksheet, a daily monitoring sheet, and a IEP performance chart. (CL)

Contrasts the "ability training" and "task-analytic" approaches in teaching learning disabled children. Describes the use of the task-analytic behavioral model in Project EXCEL, a Child Service Demonstration Center. Summarizes guiding principles of this approach, and indicates that participating students have shown dramatic…

Article presents a scheme that provides a common framework for viewing task analysis. (Author)