{{shortShort description|generalGeneral theory of instructional design developed by Andrew S. Gibbons}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
'''Model-centered instruction''' is a general theory of [[instructional design]] developed by [[Andrew S Gibbons|Andrew S. Gibbons]].<ref name="Gibbons">Gibbons, A. S., Model-Centered Instruction. ''Journal of Structural Learning and Intelligent Systems''. 14: 511-540, 2001.</ref> This theory can be used to design individual and group instruction for all kinds of learning in any type of learning environment. In addition, this theory may be used to design instruction with a wide variety of technologies and many media delivery systems.
==Theory summary==
The theory of model-centered instruction is based on the assumption that the purpose of instruction is to help learners construct knowledge about objects and events in their environment. In the field of [[cognitive psychology]], theorists assert that knowledge is represented and stored in [[Memory|human memory]] as dynamic, networked structures generally known as [[Schema (psychology)|schema]] or [[mental models]]. This concept of mental models was incorporated by Gibbons into the theory of model-centered instruction. This theory is based on the assumption that learners construct [[mental model]]s as they process information they have acquired through observations of or interactions with objects, events, and environments. Instructional designers can assist learners by (a) helping them focus attention on specific information about an object, event, or environment and (b) initiating events or activities designed to trigger learning processes.
Instructional designers may guide learner attention by introducing learners to carefully selected objects and events that occur in certain environments. In some situations, it is not possible to have learners work with real objects, events, or environments. In these cases, instructional designers may create representations of the objects, events, or environments. These representations are called models. A model is a definition or representation of an object, event, or environment that includes some information regarding their properties, actions, or [[Causality|cause-effect]] relationships. Instructional designers may use a variety of models to help learners construct their own mental models. A model can take various mediated forms, from simple textual descriptions to complex, [[multimedia]] simulations.
