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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