ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the basic nature of learning and instruction from the perspective of providing background knowledge to support an understanding of expert behaviour and how this can be achieved through ongoing practice, problem-solving activity and the utilisation of electronic performance support technology. During a learning process, it is essential to practise the skills that are being developed -be the physical or cognitive skills. Practice activities should also be accompanied by appropriate feedback and reflection on the progress being made towards reaching the desired level of performance. The MAPARI model is a generic conceptual tool that can be used to help explain the steps involved in skill acquisition and the development of expert behaviour in terms of six basic 'instructional' activities. As a pedagogic technique, scaffolding is a well-known method for providing various forms of support for learners while they are acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to become an expert performer in a given area of discourse.
