A technique in which the student is presented situations involving choice and risks. The choices and the consequences resemble real-life situations, and the players are reinforced for various decisions. Gaming is typically an enjoyable learning method for the student.

generalizations

Responding in the same manner to several different stimuli.

Gestalt

Study of human learning where understanding is based upon insight.

Grok

To reach total understanding of a subject. From Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land.

group-paced instruction (lockstep)

Students progress as a group at a rate equal to that of the slowest student. There is no fixed minimum time for a unit.

group trial

Tryout of a training course on a representative sample of the target population to gather data on the effectiveness of instruction in regard to error rates, criterion test performance, and time to complete the course.

guidance package

A complete self-instructional package that guides the learner through various methods and media to achieve specific learning objectives and directs the learner activities in the performance of a task.

guided discussion method

A learning experience in which students participate in an instructor-controlled, interactive process of sharing information and experiences related to achieving an instructional objective.

handbook

A document prepared specifically to provide guidance information. Handbooks are used for the presentation of general information, procedural and technical use data, or design information related to commodities, processes, practices, and services.

handout

Supporting information to be used by the learner as reference material in a training program.

hands-on

Student practice on actual equipment, simulators, or training aids.

hard skills

Skills to perform where job requirements are well defined in terms of actions to be taken and expected outcomes.

heuristic routine

A problem solving approach, not a direct step-by-step procedure, but a trial-and-error approach frequently involving the act of learning.

human capital

The sum of the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and competencies of people in an organization. Unlike structural capital, human capital is owned by the individuals who have it. It is the renewable part of intellectual capital and is the source of creativity and innovation.

Human Performance Improvement (HPI)

A systematic process of discovering and analyzing human performance improvement gaps, planning for future improvements, designing cost-effective interventions to close performance gaps, implementing the interventions, and evaluating the financial and nonfinancial results.

human resource development (HRD)

An organized learning experience, conducted in a definite time period, to increase the possibility of improving job performance and growth.

hybrid task analysis method

Involves both a quantitative analysis and consensus building. Using job task documents, a list of tasks is compiled by an analyst. Through an iterative process involving consensus building, the validity of the task list is assessed by subject matter experts, supervisors and job incumbents. Through discussions, each task's complexity, importance and frequency are numerically rated by members of the consensus group. Once the tasks are identified, the group identifies and validates the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform each task.

implementation phase

The fourth of the Instructional System Design phases. The instruction is delivered to the learners during this phase.

inductive design

An instructional design where examples are presented and then followed by the rule.

instruction

The delivery of information to enable learning. The process by which knowledge and skills are transferred to students. Instruction applies to both training and education.

instructional analysis

The procedures applied to an instructional goal in order to identify the relevant skills and their subordinate skills and information required for a learner to achieve the goal.

instructional concept

An initial estimate of what the instruction should do, and what it should look like.

instructional design

The philosophy, methodology, and approach used to deliver information. Some courseware aspects include question strategy, level of interaction, reinforcement, and branching complexity.

instructional goals

Clear statements of behavior that learners are to demonstrate as a result of instruction.

instructional method

A component of the instructional strategy defining a particular means for accomplishing the objective. For example a traditional instructor led instructional strategy may be accomplished using the lecture method, a Socratic lecture technique, and a defined step-by-step questioning procedure. Also called "method of instruction".

instructional module

A self-contained instructional unit that includes one or more learning objectives, appropriate learning materials and methods, and associated criterion-reference measures.

instructional setting

The location and physical characteristics of the area in which instruction takes place. The setting can be in a classroom, a laboratory, a field, or workplace location. An example is: a clean, well lighted, temperature controlled classroom equipped with individual desks, chairs, and individual video monitors.

instructional step

A portion of material to which the student makes a response. It is a stage in the instructional process that represents progress in the student's mastery. A subject to be taught is broken down into frames, items, or segments (steps). It is assumed that students cannot take later steps in a given sequence before taking the earlier step and that each segment or item represents a step forward.

instructional strategy

The approach used to present information in a manner that achieves learning. Approaches include tutorial, gaming, simulation, etc. Aspects of instructional strategies include the order of presentation, level of interaction, feedback, remediation, testing strategies, and the medium used to present the information.

instructional systems design (ISD)

A formal process for designing training, be it computer-based or traditional instructor-led training. The ISD process includes analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Also known as System Approach to Training (SAT).

instructional technology

The use of technology (computers, compact disc, interactive media, modem, satellite, teleconferencing, etc.) to support learning.

instructor

An individual who gives knowledge or information to learners in a systematic manner by presenting information, directing structured leaning experiences, and managing group discussions and activities.

interactive training

An umbrella term that includes both computer-based and multimedia training.

interim summary

A segment of instruction that reviews recent learning to reinforce prior information.

internet-based training

Delivery of educational content via a Web browser over the internet or intranet. It provides links to learning resources outside of the course, such as references, email, bulletin boards, and discussion groups. 

introduction

A major section of a lesson designed to establish a common ground between the presenter and students, to capture and hold attention, to outline the lesson and relate it to the overall course, to point out benefits to the student, and to lead the student into the body of the lesson; usually contains attention step, motivation step, and overview. A segment that provides a general statement of the course content, target population, why the student is studying the material, and appropriate motivation to gain the student's attention.