6 - An Instructional Systems Development Approach for Learning Strategies

Abstract

This chapter reviews the concept of learning strategies in terms of instructional systems development (ISD) and the tools and procedures for analyzing problems in learning strategies and for designing, developing, implementing, and controlling solutions to those problems. Instructional systems development is a technique for breaking down complex instructional problems into smaller, more manageable problem areas which can then be usefully addressed by specialists. Based on the belief that deficient or proficient learner characteristics can be compensated for or optimized by specific learning scenarios, it can be analyzed that the problem of specifying individualization processes by addressing three smaller problem areas: (a) identification of learner characteristics, (b) development of instructional materials, and (c) collection and analysis of learner performance data. An ISD approach of analysis, design, development, implementation, and control may be applied effectively to these areas. Instructional systems development is a general systems approach with multiple components that, given a certain set of constraints, is used to produce an instructional system. Instructional systems development is based upon a series of activities that are arranged in several phases, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and control.