Page 217 - DEDU505_TEACHER_EDUCATION_ENGLISH

Unit 23: Meaning, Nature and Strategies of Learner Controlled Instruction

controlled instruction. It is also known as Keller Plan and is widely used all over the world. Notes
This technique is called PSI because instruction is designed according to the need and ability
of the student. Like other individualised instructional methods. PSI also allows the student
to move through course material at hisher own pace and requires mastery learning by
himher. Features of PSI: Keller (1968) identified five main features which distinguish PSI
from conventional methods of instruction. These are:
• PSI is a mastery oriented learning technique.
• It is individually paced technique of teaching-learning.
• It uses a few lectures to stimulate and motivate the students.
• It uses printed study guides to communicate information.
• It uses tutors (or a teacher like you) to evaluate attainment of the objectives by the
student.
Description of the technique: In PSI, the student is given carefully prepared assignments which
generally include programmed learning material, handouts and materials which are available in
the library or at the learning resource centres. The materials include questions and exercises. The
student is told about the nature of assignments. The student is also instructed about how to read
and what to read. At a time, the student is expected to work on one unit only. The tutors (not
necessarily professional teachers) ensure that the student is provided with proper reading material,
remedial material and necessary help whenever he faces any difficulty. When a student thinks
that helshe has completed the material, helshe can come to you. You can conduct a short quiz or
test in order to evaluate the student's mastery over the material. If you are not satisfied with the
performance of the student, you should ask the student to re-study the course material. If you are
satisfied, you should direct the student to proceed on to the next unit. The students should not be
given punishment if s(he) commits errors or secures low scorelgrade in the assignment. Since the
student in this technique learns at hisher own rate (self-pacing) in order to meet the individual
differences in learning, a multimedia approach is followed in addition to written material.
As an instructional technique, PSI has proved to be a better technique in comparison to conventional
teaching. Research evidence shows that PSI facilitates better performance, increases retention and
promotes transfer of training.

The linear style of programming developed by BF. Skinner is otherwise known as
Skinnerian style.

23.3.2 Project Work
Project work, as a self-learning method, is less structured as compared to PLM, PSI and CAI. It is
also called "project method". In schools. you may be giving assignments of various kinds to your
students. Sometimes, certain assignments demand that students work on them for a longer period,
say one week or two weeks, and produce something concrete or describe the process of certain
experiences in the form of a report. Such assignments are called project work or project method.
Through project works students get experiential learning. This provides the students an opportunity
to learn at their own pace and time, while they do certain activities more or less independent of
the teacher. Aproject is an enquiry, conducted personally by a student who is expected to use a
variety of methods (e.g. analysis, interpretation, planning, etc.) to undertake a task or study a
subject (in terms of knowledge, skill or attitude) and to write a report, or design and make a
product, or organise an activity, or solve a problem, etc., in Line with the objectives of the
project. Thus, project work helps students plan, observe, analyse and synthesize. It tends to
develop self-learning habits in the students. It provides real-life experiences to them. It aims at
problem solving by them.

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