Programmed instruction framework: six-element operant-conditioning lesson format¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The digest describes the behaviorist model derived from Skinner's operant conditioning as the dominant mid-twentieth-century framework for lesson design. It specifies six major elements: "an ordered sequence of stimulus items" to which the student responds, reinforced by "immediate knowledge of results", moving "by small steps" with few errors toward the learning goal. The digest reports that research and practical experience later brought the generality of many of these principles into question.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The framework presumes learners respond to stimulus items in specified ways and receive immediate knowledge of results

Constraints¶

• The digest states the generality of many of these principles came into question as research accumulated, with sequence, response type, feedback timing and step size contingent on learner and learning conditions

Target Learners¶

• learners in programmed-instruction lessons

Target Learning Objectives¶

• cognitive-domain learning through sequenced instruction

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Behaviorism
• Gagne's nine Events of Instruction as a lesson-design schema
• Reinforcement framework for cognitive learning: imagery as perception-like experience producing learning under ordinary principles

Examples¶

• Positive Reinforcement Schedules

Key Sources¶

• Molenda, Michael. (2002). A New Framework for Teaching in the Cognitive Domain. ERIC Digest. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED470983