Bela Banathy - Instructional Systems - 1968
In 1968, Bela Banathy writes a book about Instructional Systems. His model edges closer to the present ISD model by providing the following concepts:
- Formulate Objectives
- Develop a Criterion Test
- Analyze Learning task
- Design System
- Implement and test output
- Change to Improve
Banathy's Model of the Design of Instructional Systems Model (p .83)
What is interesting about this early model is that just like the ADDIE model, developing the test is performed immediately after the objectives are built. Although he does not use the ADDIE phases, it almost has an identical flow to it.
Banathy write that systems have:
- Purpose: What has to be done.
- Process: The operations and functions that are engaged to accomplish the purpose
- Content: The parts that comprise the system.
Note that the sequence of purpose, processes, and content is important because it implies priorities.
Banathy also recognizes that the purpose of the instructional system is learning (p.24), rather than instruction. He continues by describing that if a learning environment was the true focus, then rigid scheduling would be eliminated (we learn at different rates), in addition, the learner would be on stage, rather than the teacher (who is there to help manage the learning environment).
Banathy continues by describing Hedegard's juxtaposition of two educational systems: In the first, the learner reacts to the teacher's active role. The teacher selects content and experience and the learner reacts to them. The teacher's thought processes involve organization, while the learner passively connects them. In addition, a learner's unique motives are rarely accepted or encouraged. In the second system, the learner plays an active role in selecting content and learning experiences while the learner's thought processes involves organization.
Banathy further writes (p. 61) that a systems approach is multi-directional, in that it not only allows feedback, but it also has feed-ahead or feed-forward strategies for selecting learning experiences. Thus, instructional systems are dynamic, rather than liner as some people would like us to believe.
Next Steps
Return to the History of Instructional System Design
Reference
Banathy, B. (1968). Instructional Systems. Palo Alto, California: Fearon Publishers.
Notes
A few of the more interesting references that Banathy cites:
Gagne, R. M. (1965). The Conditions of Learning. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Mager, Robert F. (1962). Preparing Instructional Objectives. Palo Alto, Calif.: Fearon Publishers.
Odiorne, G. S. A Systems Approach to Training. Training Director's Journal, 1965,19,10,11-19.
von Bertalanffy, Ludwig (1950). An Outline of General Systems Theory. British Journal of Philosophical Science, 1:148.