Presents a nine-phase model for teaching fundamental technical concepts: problem definition, feasibility study, data collection, preliminary product development, development and initiation of product testing procedures, product revision, field testing, operational testing, and dissemination. (SK)

Presents a framework for examining the consulting relationship which includes four consultation models; and identifies and discusses two dimensions of the instructional developer's task environment that may influence the use of these models. Results and implications of a study using the framework are reported. (Author/JEG)

The premise is advanced that a major weakness of the everyday generic instructional systems design model stems from a too modest traditional conception of the purpose and potential of formative evaluation. In the typical ISD (instructional systems design) model formative evaluation is shown not at all or as a single, product evaluation step. Yet…

Continuing education can be looked at as a living system and, as such, assessment is viewed as an integral part of the control function. The use of control functions models of assessment provides a living systems point of view and allows for such new and different questions to be posed as: (1) What are the significant levels of perception and…

This discussion of different approaches to clarifying problems in the instructional development process defines what a problem is and the types of problems typically faced by instructional developers; presents a rationale for suggesting the use of evaluation models for finding development problems; and suggests ways in which the use of a…

Discusses the need for and use of models in the design and development of instructional materials, providing an overview of the main characteristics of a unit model and three course models: a simple linear model, a refined linear model, and a branched model. (RAO)

Defines instructional development, describes the scope of the research and knowledge base upon which its practice is built, comments upon the sufficiency of the investigation into the components of that knowledge base, and poses questions for future research. (Author)

Compares and contrasts the current development of needs analysis and needs assessment through a review of the literature, and offers recommendations designed to restore systems thinking to front-end analysis in organizational and instructional development. The roles of needs assessment and needs analysis in a performance technology model are…

Discussion of claims of constructivism and educational technology that were raised in an earlier issue is presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue. Topics discussed include instructional development; knowledge acquisition; constructivist theories and educational psychology; objectivists versus constructivists; subjectivism; and…

Discusses the need to reengineer performance development in light of new technologies, concepts, and tools. Topics addressed include current performance development strategies; new models; learning strategies versus training strategies; electronic performance support and software; and the role of the instructional developer. (LRW)

This research assumes that systematic and systemic change are two components in instructional design (ID)--not dichotomous terms, but two sides of an interconnected dual structured system. Specifically, this paper examines the difference between systemic thinking and systematic thinking, the ideal mental model (dual structured systems) for ID, and…

Examines the importance of human systems as a relevant aspect of development processes and looks at the career anchor model proposed by Schein as a possible area in the analysis of the instructional developer/client relationships. Fourteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Discusses the necessity for conceptual frameworks as organizers of the content of bibliographic instruction, argues that such frameworks provide a necessary basis for generalizable and meaningful learning, and reviews seven conceptual frameworks for use in bibliographic instruction. Twenty-one references are listed. (RAA)

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)

Discusses Johnson's theory that information can be gathered in either a systematic or spontaneous manner and that this information will be analyzed either internally or externally, and considers some of its implications for understanding group interactions. Models of decision-making styles and characteristics and the problem-solving process are…