Improving instruction in speech‐communication skills through learning hierarchies: An application to organization

Abstract

A learning hierarchy, a sequential structure of behavioral objectives, increases the effectiveness of instructional units by identifying the prerequisite skills which students must acquire to enable them to master the terminal objective of the unit. This paper discusses the theory of learning hierarchies proposed by Gagné and then applies the theory to a tentative hierarchy of organizational skills. The final section provides practical suggestions for teachers interested in developing hierarchies.