A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Debate

A discussion of a controversial topic by participants who argue opposite sides of the issue.

Decision Consistency

Measures the reliability of a criterion-referenced test. In other words, if a person took the test more than once, would the classification decision (pass/fail, etc.) be the same.

Defensibility

See Legal Defensibility.

Deliverables

The output of any of the six phases of FKA’s Instructional Systems Design Methodology that require approval or sign-off.

Demographics

Any quantifiable characteristic of an individual. This may include location, department, tenure, training courses attended, education, primary language, etc.

Demonstration

A presentation method where the instructor describes and illustrates an action or procedure. Usually the learner is then asked to narrate the instructor’s second demonstration, and finally the learner describes and demonstrates the action or procedure under the supervision of the instructor.

Design Phase

The third phase in FKA’s Instructional Systems Design Methodology. Design starts with the Model of Performance, refines its scope for training, outlines the course, and finally plans the details of the design of the formal training, the bridging activities, and the job aids that will support the performance. The final output of the Design phase is the Training Plan.

Development Phase

The fourth phase in FKA’s Instructional Systems Design Methodology. Development starts with producing a prototype, if required, and getting it approved. Then all the materials are produced. Small sections may be tested with a few representative learners in the process called developmental testing. The Development phase ends when all materials are ready for the next phase, Implementation.

Developmental Testing

A validation activity that occurs during Development. A small piece of the training materials is tested with individual learners or small groups of the target population. Development testing happens in parallel with the development of the training materials.

Diagnostic Test

Used to determine the exact skill levels of individual learners, as well as those areas where they are having problems. Whereas the entry test is typically used before instruction, the diagnostic test is typically used in conjunction with the instruction or as part of the post-test process.

Difficulty

In FKA’s Instructional Systems Design Methodology, difficulty is one of three characteristics used to rate the relative priority of tasks, capabilities, abilities and components. Difficulty is based on complexity and uniqueness. The other two characteristics used to calculate the priority are criticality and frequency.

Direct Question

A way to target a question. The instructor/facilitator asks a specific person the question. The opposite is an overhead question.

Discovery Learning

Learning without an instructor’s direct involvement. It is different from self instruction in that the learning situation is usually controlled through its structured set-up and supervision. Learners then explore on their own. See also Experiential Learning.

Discrimination Index

Applied to an individual test item, it measures how well the item predicts those who do well on the test from those who do not. That is, those who do well on this question also do well on the test or conversely, those who do poorly on the item also do poorly on the test.

Discussion

This is a many-faceted method involving verbal exchanges among learners with varying amounts of participation and direction by the instructor. It can be used in large or small groups, and can be highly structured or unstructured. There are many variations of the discussion method and the differences between them are often subtle. Five examples are:

• Brainstorming
• Buzz sessions
• Committees
• Debates
• Panel Discussion

Discussion Board

An online "bulletin board" where learners and instructors can leave messages and expect to see responses to those messages. It can be used with online courses to promote a feeling of community among learners, and to allow small-group activities.

Distance Learning

An implementation strategy where the instructor and learners are in physically separate locations. It can be either synchronous or asynchronous and it can include: correspondence, video or satellite broadcasts, or e-learning.

Distractors

The incorrect options in a multiple-choice question. The correct option is call the “key”.

Distractor analysis

Applied to each incorrect option of an individual multiple-choice question. It measures how well each distractor is performing, i.e., is it too obviously wrong? too confusing? too close to the correct answer? etc.

Domains of Learning

See Learning Domains

Drill and Practice

An interactive computer-delivered exercise used to promote memorization of discrete facts or develop basic skills like keyboard operation. It involves the repetition of short sequences of practice with feedback as to correctness.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

A technology for providing high-bandwidth information over ordinary copper telephone lines.

Duration