Michael Moore developed transactional theory with Charles Wedemyer in the early 1970s to focus on how three variables impact independent study programs: learner autonomy, dialog, and structure. Transactional theory examines the amount of independence learners have, the extent of interaction between learners and educators, and how responsive a program is to meeting learners' needs through objectives, implementation, and evaluation. Programs can vary from more autonomous and structured to less autonomous and structured depending on these three factors.

1. The Theory of Independent Study
and Transactional DistanceMichael Moore
Chandler Stroup

2. Short History

Michael Moore developed
transactional theory with Charles
Wedemyer in the early 1970’s.
◦ Currently works at Penn State University
as a full professor.
◦

3. Transactional Theory

Focuses on three variables in
educational programs:
◦ Learner Autonomy
◦ Dialog
◦ Structure

4. Amount of Learner Autonomy
Student is responsible for conduct in
learning program
 Falls within the two extremes:

◦ Autonomous
 Learner Determined
◦ Non-autonomous
 Teacher determined

5. Dialog

Extent to which an educational program,
learner, and educator are able to respond to
one another
◦ This includes





Learner- to learner interactions
Educator-to learner interactions
Program-to learner interactions
Program-to educator interactions
Examples
◦ More Dialog
 Conference call
◦ Less Dialog
 Radio

6. Structure

Responsiveness to learners needs
◦ Includes looking at the effectiveness of:
 Course Objectives
 Implementation plans
 Evaluation methods

Examples
◦ More structure
 Textbook
◦ Less structure
 Independent Study on-campus