A study found that statistically significant performance results were obtained by mentally handicapped learners (n=25) who used instructional cues such as color while attempting to learn a complex engine assembly task. (Author)

Presents a problem-solving model for outdoor group leaders. Describes assessment, analytical and creative phases of the model, and emphasizes the importance of experience-based judgment. Discusses ways of providing experiential problem-solving opportunities in outdoor leadership preparation programs. (SV)

Examines the functional characteristics of intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI), proposes a structural model that defines expertise requirements for the development of an ICAI system, and discusses the requirements of a multidisciplinary cooperative effort for its development. Knowledge acquisition, learning needs, and instructional…

This study analyzed effects of repetitive task size on rate of responding and behavior of five adolescents with autism and mental retardation. Compared to large-task conditions, small-task conditions resulted in higher on-task behavior and better work-related behavior for all participants and higher work rate for four participants. (Author/PB)

Discusses a case study of a project created for the U.S. Air Force, Air Combat Command, in which mental models were taught, reinforced, and assessed as the foundation for instruction. Preliminary data for 183 students reflected a 93% mastery level and a 79% cumulative gain in students' ability to troubleshoot difficult problems. (Author/AEF)

This article examines the effects of test format and task type on candidate output in direct and semidirect versions of the oral interaction subtest of the Australian Assessment of Communicative English Skills. Results are discussed in relation to the degree of interactiveness and other factors that appear to influence lexical density and to the…

This paper is intended to help instructional designers who work in the technical arena when moving from tasks to performance objectives. Guidelines are provided for both the analysis and the design phases, and a task analysis worksheet is provided. (three references) (DB)

Reports on a study that investigated metacognitive strategy use by a pair of students working with a computer database. Strategies are inferred from analysis of the discourse, and features of a metacognitive environment are discussed. (13 references) (GLR)

Although there is no established or accepted definition of enterprise, enterprise competencies have broader applications than entrepreneurship. Assessment methods for identifying competencies include critical incidents technique, job function analysis, behaviorally anchored rating scales, and Morgan's action research approach. (SK)

From different viewpoints, the relationships among studying English as a foreign language (EFL), teaching EFL, and training teachers of EFL are likened to those of triangle, parallelogram, and circle. Goal-setting, organizational/situational analysis, and task analysis are discussed. (two references) (LB)

Presents a job aid for determining test-item format called TIFAID (Test Item Format Job Aid), based on adequately constructed instructional objectives. The four sections of the job aid are described: (1) a task classification system; (2) task-related questions; (3) a flowchart; and (4) a tips and techniques guide. (Contains four references.) (LRW)

Describes differences in formative evaluation techniques between instructional designers and subject matter experts. Content analysis based on think-aloud data focusing on differences in task interpretation, problem identification and revision statements, and review strategies is discussed; use of instructional systems design models by…

Fifty-six teachers of students with moderate/profound disabilities viewed task analytic data in one of three forms: graphed, ungraphed, or both. The data's form did not produce different teacher judgments of student progress or different program recommendations. Three factors (trend, variability, and frequency of data collection) had significant…

This investigation focused on early school-aged children's ability to negotiate shared reference in a task-oriented communication game. Results suggests that, although children are in the process of learning how best to coordinate the use of conversational strategies and procedural rules, they still manage effective communication. (Contains 24…

The ecological task analysis approach to teaching physical education provides a framework for the processes of assessment and instruction that differs from the traditional teacher-directed methods. The article discusses the model's advantages and describes how teachers can implement the model. (SM)