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instructional_design:structural_learning [2011/03/15 16:59]
jpetrovic [What is structural learning theory?]
instructional_design:structural_learning [2023/06/19 18:03]
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-====== Structural Learning Theory ====== 
  
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-===== General ===== 
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-Structural learning theory is one of the [[learning_paradigms:​cognitivism|cognitivist]] perspectives on instructional design proposed by [[http://​www.scandura.com/​|Joseph Scandura]] in 1970s. Scandura'​s theory suggests human **knowledge is** consisted of **rules** which are to be learned. Those rules are determined by parameters of **domain**, **procedure**,​ and **range**. 
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-===== What is structural learning theory? ===== 
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-Structural learning theory suggests that structures (problems) that a learner must learn, need to be formed as rules. Those rules can be simplified into **lower-order rules** (//atomic components//​) which represent most basic concepts learner needs to know when dealing with a problem from given domain. By combining these atomic components and application of more complicated to lower order rules new **higher-order rules** are derived. Higher-order rules can be used to solve complex problems in the whole domain. 
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-Rules, according to the structural learning theory have three parameters: 
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-  * **domain** - its allowed **inputs**, 
-  * **range** - its expected outputs, and 
-  * **procedure** - the sequence of **operations** to perform **on the inputs**. ​ 
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-In accordance with structural learning theory, first step in instructional design or learning is **definition of the problem domain through structural analysis**. Problem domain can be both well- and ill-defined((An ill-defined domain is one in which rules are quite simple, yet there is no direct complete solution like chess, or poetry writing.)). In case of an ill-defined domain, it should be divided into well-defined sub-domains which can generate at least one rule. Domain sets the inputs and desired outputs for problem solving. 
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-Domain definition is followed by **construction of hierarchy of rules** for well-defined domains. Rules should be explained on prototype problems, but can also leave some **gaps** in problem solving procedure, which **are then converted into higher-order problems** containing gap rules. Higher-order rules are then used to fill the gap, but can also validate lower level rules. 
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-An important part of the theory is also **prior knowledge (rules)** of the learner, that will **enable construction of new rules**. This knowledge can be examined by instructor, that can be both human or artificial. 
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-Structural learning theory'​s applications have been made in **mathematics** and **language learning**. 
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-===== What is the practical meaning of structural learning theory? ===== 
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-===== Criticisms ===== 
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-===== Keywords and most important names ===== 
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-===== Bibliography ===== 
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-[[http://​web.cortland.edu/​frieda/​id/​IDtheories/​4.html|Structural Learning Theory.]] 
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-[[http://​www.odu.edu/​educ/​roverbau/​Class_Websites/​761_Spring_04/​Assets/​course_docs/​ID_Theory_Reps_Sp04/​Scandura_Chapman.pdf|Scandura,​ J. M. Structural learning theory. Instructional Design Theories and Models: An Overview of Their Current Status: p215–245. 1984.]] 
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-===== Read more ===== 
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-Reigeluth, Charles M. Instructional-design Theories and Models: An overview of their current status. Routledge, 1983. 
instructional_design/structural_learning.txt · Last modified: 2023/06/19 18:03 (external edit)