A linear model for the allocation of instructional resources

Abstract

An allocation model is proposed for instructional systems which have instructional programs that can be structured in terms of behavioral objectives, instructional activities and required achievement levels. It is assumed that the relevant characteristics of the students and teachers are known and that the instructional resources needed for an activity can be estimated. Carroll's “model for school learning” is used to justify a linear model. Carroll's model hypothesizes that a learner will achieve an objective to the extent that he spends the time he needs. As a first approximation, the degree of learning is the ratio of the time actually spent on learning to the time required. The model can be used for econometric studies of instructional systems and to compare resource allocation strategies.