Faculty of Education - Theses

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    An analysis of the literature surrounding the theories of systematic design & constructivism to ascertain the relevance of each approach for the learning of soft skills-- Is the systematic model for designing Web-based training suitable for all learners?
    Van der Sluys, Rebecca ( 2002)
    The purpose of this paper is to analyse the literature surrounding the educational theories of systematic design and constructivism to ascertain the relevance of each approach to developing web-based training programs appropriate for both the development of soft skills in industry as well as appropriate to the needs of different learners. The systems approach, which advocates set objectives and criterion-referenced testing, has dominated the design of training for many years. However many current web-based training programs are not enabling learners to achieve the standards of performance required to compete in a global economy. Organisations are interested in developing employees who can solve complex problems and apply their knowledge to new situations. To achieve this goal organisations will need to utilise more Constructivist design strategies as they are best suited to complex, ill-structured knowledge domains. Emerging from the literature was support for the position that novices benefited from the more structured and linear approach of the systems model, whereas advanced learners required a more constructivist learning environment that advocates an open and problem-based approach, allowing more learner control and input.