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Blueprints for complex learning: The 4C/ID-model

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Abstract

This article provides an overview description of the four-component instructional design system (4C/ID-model) developed originally by van Merriënboer and others in the early 1990s (van Merriënboer, Jelsma, & Paas, 1992) for the design of training programs for complex skills. It discusses the structure of training blueprints for complex learning and associated instructional methods. The basic claim is that four interrelated components are essential in blueprints for complex learning: (a) learning tasks, (b) supportive information, (c) just-in-time (JIT) information, and (d) part-task practice. Instructional methods for each component are coupled to the basic learning processes involved in complex learning and a fully worked-out example of a training blueprint for “searching for literature” is provided. Readers who benefit from a structured advance organizer should consider reading the appendix at the end of this article before reading the entire article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, USA

    Richard E. Clark (Professor of Education)

  2. Educational Technology Expertise Center (OTEC), Open University of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 2960, NL-6401 DL, Heerlen, The Netherlands

    Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer (Professor of Educational Technology) & Marcel B. M. de Croock (Assistant Professor of Educational Technology)

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  1. Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer
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  2. Richard E. Clark
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  3. Marcel B. M. de Croock
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Correspondence to Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer.

Additional information

Part of the work presented here was carried out within the ADAPTIT project, sponsored by the European Commission under contract IST-1999-11740.

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van Merriënboer, J.J.G., Clark, R.E. & de Croock, M.B.M. Blueprints for complex learning: The 4C/ID-model. ETR&D 50, 39–61 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02504993

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