Skip to main content
Log in

Constructivist values for instructional systems design: Five principles toward a new mindset

  • Research
  • Published:
Educational Technology Research and Development Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this article, the implications of constructivism for instructional systems design (ISD) are summarized as five principles that integrate the affective and cognitive domains of learning. In contrast to current views, it is suggested that constructivist philosophy offers instructional designers an alternative set of values that may significantly influence the emphasis of ISD methods without undermining the coherence and consistency of the ISD model. Distinguishing characteristics of the two approaches are described, based on a review of recent literature. The article concludes with the assertion that the influence of constructivist philosophy on ISD should be to focus attention on critical enabling objectives traditionally overlooked by instructional designers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson, J. R. (1990).The adaptive character of thought. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1989). Human agency in social cognitive theory.American Psychologist, 44(9), 1175–1184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1990). Self-regulation of motivation through anticipatory and self-reactive mechanisms. In R. Dienstbier (Ed.),Nebraska symposium on motivation (Vol. 38, pp. 69–164). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bereiter, C., & Scardamalia, M. (1989). Intentional learning as a goal of instruction. In L.B. Resnick (Ed.),Knowing, learning and instruction (pp. 361–392). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning.Educational Psychologist, 26(3 & 4), 369–398.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bransford, J. D., Franks, J. J., Vye, N. J., & Sherwood, R. D. (1989). New approaches to instruction: Because wisdom can't be told. In S. Vosniadou & A. Ortony (Eds.),Similarity and analogical reasoning (pp. 470–497). Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bransford, J. D., Sherwood, R., Vye, N. J., & Reiser, J. (1986). Teaching thinking and problem solving.American Psychologist, 41(10), 1078–1089.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. S., (1988). Steps toward a new epistemology of situated learning.Proceedings of the ITS-88 International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems. University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada, June 1–3.

  • Brown, J. S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated cognition and the culture of learning.Educational Researcher, 18(1), 32–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, J. M. (1990).The Nurnberg funnel: Designing minimalist instruction for practical computer skill. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Champagne, A. B., Gunstone, R. F., & Klopfer, L. E. (1985). Effecting changes in cognitive structures among physics students. In L. H. T. West & A. L. Pines (Eds.),Cognitive structure and conceptual change (pp. 163–187). Orlando, FL: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chin, R., & Benne, K. D. (1976). General strategies for effecting changes in human systems. In K. D. Benne, W. G. Bennis, & R. Chin (Eds.),The planning of change (3rd ed., pp. 22–45). New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clifford, M. M. (1984). Thoughts on a theory of constructive failure.Educational Psychologist, 19, 108–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clinchy, E. (1989). Education in and about the real world.Equity and Choice, 3, 19–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A. (1985). Teaching reasoning skills. In S. F. Chipman, J. W. Segal, & R. Glaser (Eds.),Thinking and learning skills: Vol. 2. Research and open questions (pp. 65–80). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A., Brown, J. S., & Newman, S. E. (1989). Cognitive apprenticeship: Teaching the craft of reading, writing, and mathematics. In L. B. Resnick (Ed.),Knowing, learning, and instruction: Essays in honor of Robert Glaser. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cunningham, D. J. (1991). Assessing construction and constructing assessments: A dialogue.Journal of Educational Technology, 5, 13–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1987). The support of autonomy and the control of behavior.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(6), 1024–1037.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., Vallerand, R. J., Pelletier, L. G., & Ryan, R. M. (1991). Motivation and education: The self-determination perspective.Educational Psychologist, 26(3 & 4), 325–346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dick, W. (1991). An instructional designer's view of constructivism.Educational Technology, 5, 41–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dick, W., & Carey, L. (1990).The systematic design of instruction (3rd ed.). Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiVesta, F. J., & Rieber, L. P. (1987). Characteristics of cognitive engineering: The next generation of instructional systems.Educational Communication and Technology Journal, 35(4), 213–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dweck, C. S., & Leggett, E. L. (1988). A social cognitive approach to motivation and personality.Psychology Review, 95(2), 256–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fosnot, C. T. (1984). Media and technology in education: A constructivist view.Educational Communication and Technology Journal, 32(4), 195–205.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gleick, J. (1987).Chaos: Making a new science. New York: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Groisman, A., Shapiro, B., & Willinsky, J. (1991). The potential of semiotics to inform understanding of events in science education.International Journal of Science Education, 13(3), 217–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grundy, S. (1987).Curriculum: Product or praxis? New York: Palmer Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannafin, M. J. (1992). Emerging technologies. ISD and learning environments: Critical perspectives.Educational Technology Research and Development, 40(1), 49–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinich, R. (1984). The proper study of instructional technology.Educational Communication and Technology Journal, 32(2) 67–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hlynka, D., & Belland, J. C. (Eds.)Paradigms regained (pp. 515–520). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.

  • Hollis, W. (1991). Humanistic learning theory and instructional technology: Is reconciliation possible?Educational Technology, 11, 49–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Honebein, P. C., Duffy, T. M., & Fishman, B. J. (in press). Constructivism and the design of learning environments: Context and authentic activities for learning. In T. M. Duffy, J. Lowyck, & D. Jonassen (Eds.),Designing environments for constructivist learning. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

  • Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1990). Cooperative learning and achievement. In S. Sharan (Ed.),Cooperative learning theory and research (pp. 22–37). New York: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D. H. (1991). Objectivism versus constructivism: Do we need a new philosophical paradigm?Educational Technology Research and Development, 39(3), 5–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joyce, B., & Weil, M. (1986).Models of teaching (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, R. (1988). Means and ends: Fixing the quick fix.Educational Technology, 1, 35–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller, J. M. (1983). Motivational design of instruction: A theoretical perspective. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.),Instructional design theories and models: An overview of their current status (pp. 383–433). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kember, D. (1991). Instructional design for meaningful learning.Instructional Science, 20(4), 289–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kember, D., & Murphy, D. (1990). Alternative new directions for instructional design.Educational Technology, 8, 42–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozma, R. B., & Croninger, R. G. (1992).Technology and the fate of at-risk students. (Award No. USE-9150617). Washington, DC: National Science Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990).A theory of goal setting and task performance. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mager, R. F. (1962).Preparing instructional objectives. Palo Alto, CA: Fearon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mager, R. F. (1984).Developing attitude toward learning (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Lake Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahoney, M. J., & Thorensen C. E. (1974).Self control: Power to the person. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, B. L., & Briggs, L. J. (1986).The affective and cognitive domains: Integration for instruction and research. Englewood, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCombs, B. L., & Whisler, J. S. (1989). The role of affective variables in autonomous learning.Educational Psychologist, 24(3), 277–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merrill, D. M., Li, Z., & Jones, M. K. (1990). Second generational instructional design (ID2).Educational Technology, 2, 7–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milheim, W. D., & Martin, B. L. (1991). Theoretical bases for the use of learner control: Three different perspectives.Journal of Computer-Based Instruction, 18(3), 99–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. (1984).For your own good: Hidden cruelty in child-rearing and the roots of violence (2nd ed.) (H. Hildergarde, Trans.) New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux. (Original work published 1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Narode, R. (1989).A constructivist program for college remedial mathematics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 309 988)

  • Palinscar, A. S., & Brown, A. L. (1984). Reciprocal teaching of comprehension: Fostering and monitoring activities.Cognition and Instruction 1, 117–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paris, S. G., & Byrnes, J. P. (1989). The constructivist approach to self-regulation and learning in the classroom. In B.J. Zimmerman & D. Schunk, (Eds.),Self-regulated learning and academic theory, research, and practice (pp. 169–199). New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poplin, M. S. (1988). Holistic/constructivist principles of the teaching/learning process: Implications for the field of learning disabilities.Journal of Learning Disabilities, 21(7), 401–416.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeves, T. C. (1993, January).Pseudoscience in instructional technology: The case of learner control research. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, New Orleans, LA.

  • Reigeluth, C. M. (1989). Educational technology at the crossroads: New mindsets and new directions.Educational Technology Research and Development, 37(1), 1042–1629.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, L. B. (1989). Introduction. In L. B. Resnick (Ed.),Knowing, learning and instruction (pp. 1–24). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, S. M., & Morrison G. R. (1989). In search of a happy medium in instructional technology research: Issues concerning external validity, media replications, and learner control.Educational Technology Research and Development, 37(1), 19–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rumelhart, D. E., & Norman, D. A. (1978). Accretion, tuning, and restructuring: Three modes of learning. In J. W. Cotton & R. Klatzky (Eds.),Semantic factors in cognition (pp. 37–53). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R., & Powelson, C. L. (1991). Autonomy and relatedness as fundamental to motivation and education.Journal of Experimental Education, 60(1), 49–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomon, G. (1986). Information technologies: What you see is not (always) what you get.Educational Psychologist, 20, 207–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scardamalia, M., Bereiter, C., McLean, R. S., Swallow, J., & Woodruff, E. (1989). Computer-supported intentional learning environments.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 5(1), 51–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmeck, R. (1988). Strategies and styles of learning: An integration of varied perspectives. In R. Schmeck (Ed.),Learning strategies and learning styles (pp. 317–346). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schunk, D. H. (1990). Goal setting and self-efficacy during self-regulated learning.Educational Psychologist, 25(1), 71–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigel, I. E. (1986). Cognition—Affect: A psychological riddle. In D. Bearison & H. Zimiles (Eds.),Thought and emotion: Developmental perspectives. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiro, R. J., Feltovich, P. J., Jacobson, M. J., & Coulson, R. L. (1991). Cognitive flexibility, constructivism, and hypertext: Random access instruction for advanced knowledge acquisition in ill-structured domains.Educational Technology, 31(5), 24–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, E. R. (1989). Cognition and learner control: A literature review, 1977–1988.Journal of Computer-Based Instruction, 16(4), 117–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Streibel, M. J. (1989).Instructional plans and situated learning: The challenge of Suchman's theory of situated action for instructional designers and instructional systems. Dallas, TX: Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 308 844)

    Google Scholar 

  • Strike, K. A., & Posner, G. J. (1985). A conceptual change view of learning and understanding. In L. H. T. West & A. L. Pines (Eds.),Cognitive structure and conceptual change (p. 163–187). Orlando, FL: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suchman, L. A. (1987).Plans and situated actions: The problem of human/machine communication. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobin, K. (1992, February). Constructivism and the teaching of college science. In K. Tobin (Chair),Symposium on teaching and learning science and math. Symposium conducted by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Florida State University, Tallahassee.

  • Triandis, H. C. (1972).The analysis of subjective culture. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermunt, D. H. (1989).The interplay between internal and external regulation of learning, and the design of process-oriented instruction. New Orleans, LA: American Educational Research Association. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 295 820)

    Google Scholar 

  • von Glasersfeld, E. (1988).Environment and communication. Paper presented at the ICME-6, Budapest, Hungary. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 295 850)

  • von Glasersfeld, E. (1992, February). Untitled. In K. Tobin (Chair),Symposium on teaching and learning science and math. Symposium conducted by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Florida State University, Tallahassee.

  • Wager, W. W. (1992, March 15). Personal communication.

  • Weiner, B. (1990). History of motivational research in education.Journal of Education Psychology, 82(4), 616–622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winn, W. (1990). Some implications of cognitive theory for instructional design.Instructional Science, 19, 53–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerman, B. J. (1990). Self-regulated learning and academic achievement: An overview.Educational Psychologist, 25(1), 3–17.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lebow, D. Constructivist values for instructional systems design: Five principles toward a new mindset. ETR&D 41, 4–16 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02297354

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02297354

Keywords

Navigation