Two
theories are presented to help explain and define individualized learning,
Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) or Keller Plan and Audio-Tutorial
Method (A-T method). Both theories are self-paced and agree that motivation and
positive reinforcement is necessary. A
teacher and/or tutor and technology are used to manage classes and student
progress for both theories. PSI and the
A-T method also share the common principles that because students have
different learning styles, schools/teachers should provide learning
environments of instruction that correlates with the students’ individual
learning needs. Although they share the same common principle each approach is different.
PSI is designed with
clear objectives and students only proceed through the course after mastering
the previous unit. Proctors provide immediate feedback and are available for
testing, re-testing, tutoring during assigned times. Seems to me students only see proctors when
they need too. Lectures are uncommon and I liked the way Robert Davis and Kenneth
Ragsdell defined learning and the importance of an asynchronous learning
environment for students.
PSI and the A-T method were both devised in the 1960s. My reaction when first seeing that was they
are extremely old theories and probably out of a date. I feel like the A-T method is a big
contributor to the success of distance education courses today. The A-T method uses audio lectures and 3
various phases on instruction through a large group, independently, and small
group sessions.
As a teacher the major barriers I see would simply be the
continuous lesson planning for whole units at a time (requiring lots of videos) and
the struggle to stay organized with students learning at a different pace.
Not an entire course, but I believe for most of my
objectives I use parts or a modified versions of the A-T model. I may go through all 3 phases in 1 day, but
it is at my pace, not self-paced for the students. When introducing new content we are in “General
assembly session”, then students work in a “small assembly session”, and then follow-up
at home or in class with their own “independent study session.” I incorporate videos in my instruction and
possibly part of their group work. The supplemental videos and resources are always
linked to my web page.
As a high school teacher I don’t see that there is any way
that I could use these individualized theories as their authors created them
because of testing purposes. Students
are required to take midterm exams and final exams that cover course
objectives.
Several web based tools are available that can help carry
out these individualized learning theories using the Internet.
·
Youtube—my favorite. For Marketing, the Sports, Entertainment, and
Fashion Industry there are many supplemental videos to choose from and use for
instruction.
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Prezi
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Voicethread
