CPI Instructional Design & Curriculum Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instructional design theory emphasizes that learning occurs best when it is anchored in authentic, real-world problem-solving contexts?
- Behaviorism
- Cognitivism
- Situated learning theory (Correct answer)
- Elaboration theory
Correct answer: Situated learning theory
Situated learning theory, associated with Lave and Wenger, holds that knowledge is best acquired within authentic contexts that reflect real-world use.
Question 2: An instructor reduces extraneous cognitive load by presenting diagrams and their labels simultaneously rather than separately. This applies which principle?
- Redundancy principle
- Spatial contiguity principle (Correct answer)
- Signaling principle
- Coherence principle
Correct answer: Spatial contiguity principle
The spatial contiguity principle (Mayer's multimedia learning) states that corresponding text and graphics should be presented near each other to reduce split-attention.
Question 3: A CPI candidate designs a rubric with clearly defined performance criteria for each score level. This type of rubric is called:
- Holistic rubric
- Analytic rubric (Correct answer)
- Single-point rubric
- Checklist rubric
Correct answer: Analytic rubric
An analytic rubric breaks performance into distinct criteria, each scored separately with defined descriptors for each level.
Question 4: Which curriculum mapping approach documents what is actually taught, as opposed to what is intended or assessed?
- Projected map
- Diary map (Correct answer)
- Consensus map
- Essential map
Correct answer: Diary map
A diary map records what the instructor actually taught in real time, capturing the enacted curriculum rather than the planned one.
Question 5: In Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction, 'informing learners of the objective' serves to:
- Activate prior knowledge
- Set expectations and focus attention (Correct answer)
- Provide practice opportunities
- Offer corrective feedback
Correct answer: Set expectations and focus attention
Informing learners of the objective helps set expectations, directs learner attention, and activates a mental framework for what they are about to learn.
Question 6: A course redesign team uses a backward design process. What is the FIRST step in this approach?
- Select instructional activities
- Choose appropriate assessments
- Identify desired results and outcomes (Correct answer)
- Determine available resources
Correct answer: Identify desired results and outcomes
Backward design (Wiggins & McTighe) begins by identifying desired learning outcomes before planning assessments or instructional strategies.
Question 7: Which factor is MOST important when selecting delivery format for a postsecondary course?
- Instructor preference for technology
- Alignment with learner needs and course objectives (Correct answer)
- Availability of the latest learning management system
- Cost of instructional materials
Correct answer: Alignment with learner needs and course objectives
Delivery format should be selected based on how well it meets learner characteristics and the instructional goals of the course.
CPI Instructional Design & Curriculum Development 3
Which instructional design theory emphasizes that learning occurs best when it is anchored in authentic, real-world problem-solving contexts?