College of Education Human Resource Education http://education.illinois.edu/frp/cio/sjohnson

Faculty Research Profiles: Scott Johnson

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Professor

Human Resource Education
142 Education Building
1310 S. 6th St. MC 708
Champaign, IL 61820USA
217 333-0807

CIO / Associate Dean for Online Learning

Office of the Chief Information Officer
142 Education Building
1310 S. 6th St. MC 708
Champaign, IL 61820
217 244-7005
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Research Biography

My primary research agenda has focused on better understanding the teaching and learning process. I have been particularly interested in how people acquire technical knowledge and skills and how they solve technical problems. Closely connected to this focus is the need to better understand how instructors can become more effective and efficient, especially when teaching complex technical content or encouraging the development of higher order thinking skills. Each of these areas of investigation are of critical importance for the field of human resource development. Given the complexity of technology, the increasing diversity of the workforce, and the current trend toward developing knowledge workers, technical instructors in high schools, community colleges, and corporate training settings must employ more sophisticated instructional strategies to meet the changing needs of the future workplace. This is not a simple process however, due to the historical influence of behavioral theories of learning on current workplace training practice. Designing instruction based on traditional views of learning fails to address the complex nature of technical content and seldom promotes higher levels of cognitive performance. My research has attempted to better understand the educational needs of the future workforce and to discover appropriate instructional strategies that best match the content to the learning needs of students. To be successful, this means that instructors need to effectively bridge the gap between behavioral, cognitive, and social theories of learning and teaching. My research goals and accomplishments can be categorized into three areas related to teaching and learning. First, I have studied the cognitive processes of technicians as they solve technical problems and examined their perceptions about their role as technical problem solvers. Second, I have developed several conceptual models that prescribe strategies for enhancing human performance through formal instruction. Third, I have developed several learning technology solutions that support and extend the capabilities of instructors.

Degrees

  • Ph.D., Education, University of Minnesota, 1987
  • M.A., Industrial Education, University of Minnesota, 1981
  • B.S., Industrial Education, Mankato State University, 1975

Key Professional Appointments

  • Associate Dean for Online Learning and Chief Information Officer, College of Education, University of Illinois, 2007--
  • Department Head, Human Resource Education, University of Illinois, 2001--
  • Professor, Human Resource Education, University of Illinois, 2000--
  • Associate Professor, Human Resource Education, University of Illinois, 1993-2000
  • Assistant Professor, Human Resource Education, University of Illinois, 1990-1993
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Human Resource Education, University of Illinois, 1987-1989

Activities & Honors

  • Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Minnesota, 2006
  • University Scholar, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003-2005
  • Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003-2004
  • Editor, Advances in Developing Human Resources, 2002-2004
  • Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, College of Education, 2000-2001
  • Cutting Edge Award, Academy of Human Resource Development, 2000
  • Outstanding Research Manuscript Award, Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 2000
  • Distinguished Scholar, College of Education, 1997
  • Co-Director, Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education, 1996-2003
  • Editor, Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 1994-1996

Grants

  • Co-Principal Investigator, Executive Human Resource Development Seminar for SK Corporation, SK Corporation, 2005
  • Principal Investigator, National Center for Engineering and Technology Education, National Science Foundation (Utah State University), 2004

Selected Publications

  • Johnson, S. D., Burghardt, M. D., & Daugherty, J. (2008). Research frontiers: An emerging research agenda. In R. L. Custer & T. L. Erekson (Eds.), Engineering and technology education (pp. 233-258). New York: Glencoe.
  • Yoon, S., W., & Johnson, S. D. (2008). Phases and patterns of group development in virtual learning teams. Educational Technology Research and Development, 56(5/6), 595-618.
  • Johnson, S. D., & Daugherty, J. (2008). Quality and characteristics of recent research in technology education. Journal of Technology Education, 20(1), 18-33
  • Choi, H. J., & Johnson, S. D. (2007). The effect of problem-based video instruction on learner satisfaction, comprehension, and retention in college courses. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(5), 885-895.
  • Johnson, S. D. (2006). Dealing with the technician shortage: Factors supporting the development of technical interest and competency. American Technical Education Association Journal, 34(1), 10-15.

Selected Links


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