Instructional Design Theory

The Algo-heuristic Theory

The Algo-heuristic theory was developed by Lev Landa.  The theory was developed and implemented to assist employers in decreasing the time that was needed to adequately and efficiently train new employees.  This theory provides strategies to assist in breaking down the complexities of subject-matter experts.  Breaking down the information into simple steps assists in developing algorithms or flowcharts that include key decision-making points.  A new learner can benefit from the use of flowcharts that show exact steps in the process of the subject she is learning.  With more practice the new learner will not depend on the flowcharts and will become an expert who is able to apply critical thinking to multiple situations.

There are two types of method that Landa discussed. The first method is the Method of Action, which is a system of actions that leads to solving problems or performing tasks.  The second is the Methods of Prescription, which is the underlying thought processes or instructions that point out the action to be performed.  New learners typically begin in the Method of Action phase and gradually transition to the Methods of Prescription. Landa also believed that methods of thinking could be taught through two teaching approaches.  The first approach is Guided Discovery, which involves the learner’s performing a specific task and then creating step-by-step instructions on how the task was completed.  The second is Expository teaching, which involves the instructor’s providing the learner with the task or problem and the necessary instructions needed to solve or complete the assigned task.

I see this theory being utilized in the laboratory setting. This type of theory can assist learners in learning new skills or performing assessments.  The theory could also be used during simulation exercises.

The Elaboration Theory

The Elaboration Theory was created by Charles Reigeluth.  This theory was constructed and based upon the cognitive learning theory.  The theory addresses a holistic approach to selecting and sequencing information for instruction.  This theory can assist the learner in forming stable cognitive schema to which complex tasks can be assimilated and also builds cognitive scaffolding.  In Elaboration Theory the information is divided into sections, which assists the learner by simplifying and making the information less complicated. 

One must understand the concepts of Scope and Sequence to use this theory.  The Scope addresses what to teach or the exact nature of the content.  The Sequence involves ordering the learner’s information into a logical and understanding order or flow.  One example of sequencing is topical sequencing, which involves teaching a topic or specific task to learners thoroughly before moving to the next topic or advancing the content in any way. 

Spiral sequencing begins with teaching the basics of the topic and then digging in even deeper.  The sequencing strategies should be selected based on the expert trying to be established.  A domain expert is when the learner becomes an expert in a specific area of knowledge.  When domain expert is the goal, either conceptual elaboration sequence or theoretical elaboration sequence should be used.

Task expertise is when the learner becomes an expert at a certain skill.  When task expertise is the goal, the simplifying conditions method should be utilized.  With this method the content starts with the simplest version, and then progressively gets harder.

I can see this theory being utilized in pharmacology and pathophysiology classes.  It could also be used in the skills lab setting with students.  It could be implemented in any classroom that is following the linear approach to teaching.