Theory Name: Interpretation Construction (ICON) Design Model
Authors: Black, John B., McClintock, Robbie O.
Associated Learning Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory
Model Description
Combining several other instructional design theories, this model prescribes
instruction based on observations and and constructing information well.
Specification of Theory
(a) Goals and preconditions
Interpretations (understandings) based on observations and background
contextual information.
(b) Principles
1. Study is a better description of the learning process.
2. Learning should involve authentic tasks and situations.
(c) Condition of learning
1. Studying is what students are doing when they construct knowledge.
2. Studying occurs best in an environment that has been established for
learning.
(d) Required media
None
(e) Role of facilitator
Create a Study Support Environment (SSE).
(f) Instructional strategies
1. Observations: Learners observe authentic situations.
2. Interpretation Construction: Learner creates an interpretation and a rationale
for that interpretation.
3. Contextualization: Learner access background information.
4. Cognitive Apprenticeship: Learner develops skills under the guidance of the
teacher.
5. Collaboration: Learners collaborate in interpretation and contextualization.
6. Multiple Interpretation: Learner gains cognitive flexibility by being exposed
to other viewpoints (interpretations).
7. Multiple Manifestations: Learners enhance transfer by seeing multiple representations
of the same interpretation.
(g) Assessment method
Learners can perform authentic tasks in authentic environments and situations.
Formative Research & Application
(a) Tested context – K-12
(b) Research method - Pre-test – Post-test
(c) Research description: The authors implemented this method in a high
school economics class. Additional tests were completed with learners
at several different levels (6th grade history, 11th and 12th grade science,
and 10th grade English). All levels showed increased problem solving
abilities.
(d) Resources
Black, J.B., McClintock, R.O. (1995). An interpretation construction
approach to constructivist design. In Wilson, B. (Ed.). Constructivist
learning environments. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.
Available online at http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/publications/papers/icon.htm
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