William C. Coscarelli

Understanding psychological styles in instructional development consultation

The thesis of this article is that relationship building is a critical component in any client-designer instructional development project; failure to establish and maintain an effective relationship will reduce the probability of successful project completion. The article outlines Johnson’s Decision Making theory as a conceptual framework from which designers can work to facilitate effective relationships. The theory classifies clients into four styles according to discrete, observable criteria. The discussion of the theory is followed by examples of clients of each style and for each client, possible designer responses are indicated.

Effects of three algorithmic representations on critical thinking, laboratory efficiency, and final grade

Does the way instructions for carrying out elementary operations are presented affect the time required to complete those procedures, student’s critical thinking ability, and student’s final grade? This investigation sought answers by presenting prescriptions — or algorithms — in three ways to university students in an introductory laboratory-chemistry course. Differences in the effects of the three representation modes — flow charts, lists, and standard prose — were complex and changed over the 10 lab sessions. There was no evidence that representation mode affected either critical thinking ability or final grade.