Instructional Design & Development Flashcards

Which instructional strategy is most effective when teaching complex decision-making skills?

Answer: Scenario-based learning with branching decisions

Scenario-based learning places learners in realistic decision points, building judgment through practice in context.

What is the purpose of a front-end analysis in instructional design?

Answer: To determine whether training is needed and what it should address

Front-end analysis (needs analysis) identifies performance gaps, root causes, and whether training is the right solution.

A designer is writing a learning objective. According to Mager's criteria, which element is MISSING from 'Learners will understand risk management'?

Answer: Behavior (observable performance)

Mager's objectives require an observable behavior; 'understand' is not measurable — it must be replaced with an action verb.

Which sequencing strategy organizes content from the most important or frequently used information to less critical details?

Answer: Topical sequencing

Topical sequencing groups related content together, often prioritizing high-frequency or high-impact topics first.

What distinguishes formative from summative evaluation?

Answer: Formative occurs during development to improve the course; summative measures outcomes after delivery

Formative evaluation improves the course during its development, while summative evaluation judges its effectiveness after implementation.

A learning designer is working with a highly experienced audience. How should content be adjusted?

Answer: Reduce scaffolding and allow greater learner control

Experienced learners benefit from reduced scaffolding and more autonomy since they can self-direct without heavy support.

Which of the following is a characteristic of constructivist learning design?

Answer: Learners build knowledge through active exploration and reflection

Constructivism holds that learners actively construct meaning through experience, exploration, and reflection.