The Pole of Mathematical models in Optimizing

Consideration of computer-assisted instruction in the classroom has led co an analysis of the educational process including tne need for developing more adequate models of the learning processes and increased attention to the function of i-he teacher (human or computer) as a decision maker. Given a descriptive model of the learning process, it is in some cases possible to derive optimal conditions for instruction. The technique of optimization is illustrated by considering (1) the optimal number of blocks into which a list of items should be divided (whole versus part) and (2) optimal choice of items as a function of the previous response history, which involves dropping "learned', items during a training secuence. The efficiency of the dropout procedure depends on list criterion only. A learning model which serves as a plausible approximation was developed for both the above examples. The problem of relative efficiency is considered. Tables, appendixes, an