• DocumentCode
    1339361
  • Title

    Using learning styles in software documentation

  • Author

    Delanghe, Steve

  • Author_Institution
    9 Record Rd., Emsworth, UK
  • Volume
    43
  • Issue
    2
  • fYear
    2000
  • fDate
    6/1/2000 12:00:00 AM
  • Firstpage
    201
  • Lastpage
    205
  • Abstract
    The author suggests that minimal manuals don´t appeal to everyone, and that these nonminimalists can be identified and catered to. He identifies different type of learners and how they learn. For example, dynamic learners would be impatient with direct instruction, would probably ignore the instruction, and just experiment. Focused learners are likely to be highly responsive to an authoritative coach. Contemplative learners insist that instructors provide evidence for their claims. Rigorous learners would respond well to thoroughly prepared instruction, but not to ad-hoc sessions. After instruction, they would want to be given a chance to work out the process by themselves. Finally, the author presents a list of techniques, based on learning style preferences, that might help writers engage their audience
  • Keywords
    human factors; philosophical aspects; system documentation; user manuals; ad-hoc sessions; authoritative coach; contemplative learners; direct instruction; dynamic learners; focused learners; learning style preferences; learning styles; minimal manuals; nonminimalists; rigorous learners; software documentation design; Books; Communication system software; Concrete; Desktop publishing; Documentation; Manuals; Pressing;
  • fLanguage
    English
  • Journal_Title
    Professional Communication, IEEE Transactions on
  • Publisher
    ieee
  • ISSN
    0361-1434
  • Type

    jour

  • DOI
    10.1109/47.843647
  • Filename
    843647