Conversational Forms of Instruction and Message Layer Design

This book explores the theoretical foundation of the message layer in instructional design, drawing from instructional theory, conversation theory, learning sciences, intelligent tutoring systems, and K-12 education. It establishes the message as a structural abstraction, demonstrating its stability and independence from changing psychological, educational, and technological conventions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the theoretical foundations of one of the functional layers within an architectural theory of instructional design, specifically focusing on the message layer. The architectural theory, developed by Gibbons (2003), Gibbons and Rogers (2009), and Gibbons (2014), identifies seven functions that occur during instruction and correspond to designable strata or layers. According to this theory, each layer possesses its own specialized body of design languages, constructs, questions, tools, practices, processes, a professional community, and a rich body of design theory. Furthermore, the architectural theory suggests that design knowledge from other design fields, many of which approach design from a similar functional perspective, can be appropriated to advance knowledge within the instructional technology field.

A substantial body of literature from diverse fields provides valuable theoretical insights for designing the message layer. This book aims to establish the validation of the message layer by consolidating work from instructional theory, conversation theory, research in the learning sciences, intelligent tutoring system research, and K-12 education. Within this comprehensive literature, the authors present compelling evidence of the existence of the message as a structural abstraction—an independently designable entity. They trace the historical development of the message construct, highlighting its remarkable stability over time, regardless of shifting psychological, educational, and technological conventions.

The message layer plays a crucial role in instructional design as it facilitates the transmission and reception of information between the teacher and the learner. By exploring the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the message layer, this book offers valuable insights for educators, instructional designers, and researchers seeking to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of educational processes.

Weight: 163g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030842192
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021