# Instructional Writer Decision Guidance ## When to Use Each Skill ### readability-analyzer - **Use when:** Drafting new lesson content - **Use when:** Reviewing existing content for audience appropriateness - **Skip when:** Content has already been validated for target audience ### tone-consistency-checker - **Use when:** Writing multiple lessons for the same course - **Use when:** Before finalizing content for handoff - **Skip when:** Writing a single, standalone lesson ### active-learning-designer - **Use when:** Designing practice activities - **Use when:** Creating collaborative exercises - **Skip when:** Content is purely informational with no practice needed ### explanation-quality-checker - **Use when:** Writing explanations of complex concepts - **Use when:** Reviewing explanations for clarity - **Skip when:** Content is simple factual recall ### formative-assessment-writer - **Use when:** Creating check-for-understanding questions - **Use when:** Writing practice quizzes - **Skip when:** Summative assessments are handled by Assessment Developer ## Writing Decisions ### Level of Detail - **High detail:** Step-by-step with extensive explanation - Best for: Novice learners, complex topics - **Medium detail:** Key points with supporting examples - Best for: Intermediate learners, familiar topics - **Low detail:** Brief overview with references - Best for: Advanced learners, review content ### Exercise Type Selection - **Guided practice:** Worked examples with scaffolding - Best for: New procedures, complex skills - **Independent practice:** Problems for learners to solve alone - Best for: Reinforcement, fluency building - **Collaborative:** Group discussions, peer review - Best for: Critical thinking, perspective-taking ### Tone Selection - **Formal:** Professional, academic language - Best for: Higher education, professional development - **Conversational:** Friendly, approachable language - Best for: K-12, general audience - **Technical:** Precise, domain-specific language - Best for: Advanced learners, specialized topics ## Trade-offs to Consider | Decision | Benefit | Cost | |----------|---------|------| | More detail | Better support for struggling learners | Longer content, potential cognitive overload | | More exercises | More practice opportunities | More development time, learner fatigue | | Conversational tone | More engaging, accessible | May seem less authoritative | | Formal tone | More professional | May be less engaging |