TS Instructional Design & Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A trainer is creating an e-learning module and wants to reduce extraneous cognitive load. Which design decision best achieves this?
- Adding detailed background graphics to every slide
- Placing narration text verbatim on screen alongside audio
- Segmenting content into short, focused modules with clear navigation (Correct answer)
- Including as many multimedia elements as possible per screen
Correct answer: Segmenting content into short, focused modules with clear navigation
Segmenting content reduces the amount of information processed at once, lowering extraneous cognitive load.
Question 2: During a task analysis, a trainer identifies a sequence of steps employees must follow exactly. What type of task analysis is most appropriate?
- Cognitive task analysis
- Procedural task analysis (Correct answer)
- Topic analysis
- Cluster analysis
Correct answer: Procedural task analysis
Procedural task analysis breaks down sequential, step-by-step processes into discrete, ordered actions.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a formative evaluation during course development?
- To measure the business impact of training after deployment
- To identify and fix design or content problems before full rollout (Correct answer)
- To calculate ROI of the completed training program
- To survey learner satisfaction six months after training
Correct answer: To identify and fix design or content problems before full rollout
Formative evaluation occurs during development to catch issues early and improve the course before launch.
Question 4: A company needs to train 500 geographically dispersed employees quickly. Which delivery modality is most scalable and cost-effective?
- On-the-job mentoring programs
- In-person workshops at headquarters
- Self-paced e-learning modules (Correct answer)
- One-on-one coaching sessions
Correct answer: Self-paced e-learning modules
Self-paced e-learning can be deployed globally at the same time with no incremental per-learner travel cost.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the 'chunking' principle in instructional design?
- Delivering all content in a single uninterrupted session
- Grouping related information into small, meaningful units to aid memory (Correct answer)
- Repeating the same content multiple times throughout a course
- Using only text to present complex information
Correct answer: Grouping related information into small, meaningful units to aid memory
Chunking organizes content into small, logically related groups that are easier for working memory to process and retain.
Question 6: A trainer notices that learners consistently fail a specific quiz question after instruction. What should the trainer do first?
- Remove the question from the quiz
- Re-examine the alignment between the objective, instruction, and assessment (Correct answer)
- Lower the passing score for the assessment
- Blame learner motivation and move on
Correct answer: Re-examine the alignment between the objective, instruction, and assessment
Consistent failure often signals a misalignment between what was taught, how it was assessed, or clarity of objectives.
Question 7: In blended learning design, what is the primary advantage of the 'flipped classroom' approach?
- Learners receive all instruction passively during class time
- Pre-work delivers content online so class time is used for application and discussion (Correct answer)
- The trainer delivers the same lecture twice for reinforcement
- Online content replaces the need for any face-to-face interaction
Correct answer: Pre-work delivers content online so class time is used for application and discussion
Flipped learning moves content delivery online before class, freeing in-person time for higher-order practice and collaboration.
TS Instructional Design & Development 3
A trainer is creating an e-learning module and wants to reduce extraneous cognitive load.
Which design decision best achieves this?