VISION User Guide

Use this matrix to help you decide how to classify an objective.

The matrix shows two kinds of behavior:

•Use (apply) information

•Recall (memorize) information

There are seven types of content shown: Procedures, Rules, Concepts, Process, Principle, Structure, and Fact.

The cells of the matrix indicate the possible types of objectives. In other words, you could develop a use/procedure type of objective; a use/rule; use/concept; a recall/procedure; and so on.

An objective can be classified as any one (and only one) of these types.

Each classification is associated with an instructional strategy that best teaches that type of objective. In other words, there is a special strategy for teaching use/procedure objectives. There is another strategy for use/concept objectives, etc.

Use Procedure

Classify your objective as a "use/procedure" if it requires the learner to perform:

•A set of sequential operations or steps

•That are always performed in essentially the same way with the same result each time 6 and needs to be demonstrated to the learner in only one way

If your objective is concerned with the conduct of a set of steps or operations that would best be taught with various examples rather than only one, consider classifying the objective as a rule.

If your objective is concerned with a set of operations or steps that are performed by an organization, system or equipment, (rather than by the learner) consider classifying the objective as a process.

Classifying Procedure Objectives

Use Rule

Classify your objective as a "Use/Rule" if it requires the learner to perform:

•A set of operations (including steps, a formula or algorithm)

•Whose application will vary with the inputs

•Resulting in different outcomes

•And which would best be demonstrated to the learner with various examples

If your objective is concerned with the conduct of a set of steps or operations, and there appears to be little added value in showing several different examples to fully teach them, consider classifying the objective as a procedure.

If your objective is concerned with a set of operations or steps that are performed by an organization, system or equipment, (rather than by the learner) consider classifying the objective as a process.

Classifying Rule Objectives

Use Concept

Classify your objective as a Use/Concept if it:

•Focuses on categories or classes of things and their distinguishing characteristics

•Requires the learner to look at something and put it in its correct concept category

•Based on whether or not it has the characteristics that are common to the category

•And is best explained to the learner by showing examples and non examples

Classifying Concept Objectives

Use Process

Classify your objective as a Use/Process (or "diagnose") if it:

•Is concerned with the sequential steps in how a system, organization or equipment operates

•Requires the learner to give the likely cause of system malfunction

•Or predict the likely results of changes to the system

•And is best taught by showing a full range of normal and abnormal functioning of the process

If the objective is concerned with a process that the learner conducts, rather than a system, organization or equipment, consider classifying the objective as either a rule or procedure.

Classifying Process Objectives

Use Principle

Classify your objective as a Use Principle if it:

•Contains the name of the principle (it may or may not)

•Which deals with a consistent cause and effect relationship between things

•And requires the learner to solve a problem or perform a task using the principle

•And is best explained with examples of how the principle works in a variety of cases

Classifying Principle Objectives

Recall Fact (or Procedure, Rule, Concept, Process or Principle)

Classify your objective as a Recall type if it requires the learner to remember:

•An arbitrary relationship among objects, symbols or events

•That cannot be generalized or used to explain anything

•And can be mastered only by directly recalling the information

Recalling a procedure, rule, concept, process or principle are all considered the same as recalling facts. For example, if you want the learner to remember a procedure as the outcome of an objective, you would use the same instructional strategy as for any other type of facts.

Classifying Recall Fact Objectives

Recall Structure

Classify your objective as a Recall/Structure if it requires the learner to remember:

•The various parts, elements or components of an object

•The function of those parts, elements or components

•And how they fit together

Classifying Structure Objectives