The material to be learned is presented to the student in small chunks of information in a method known as programmed instruction. In order to progress through the material, the student must demonstrate understanding of previous information, with correct responses receiving immediate reinforcement. This method can be taught by an instructor or by the student on their own. It’s also a good fit for computer-assisted learning. B.F. Skinner first popularized the method as a behavioral approach to teaching.
The process of programming instruction is very precise. To avoid overwhelming a student with too much information at once, the material is broken down into small chunks. Thousands of these chunks, or units, of instruction can be found in a single course. It is thought that breaking up the information into small chunks will help with comprehension and retention. It’s also a lot easier to pinpoint where learning problems arise and which parts aren’t being understood, allowing for immediate remediation.
The information can be presented to the student after it has been broken down into units of instruction. The student’s comprehension is checked after each unit as he or she works through the content. This can be accomplished by asking follow-up questions after the information has been presented. If the student responds correctly and shows appropriate comprehension, he or she is able to move on, which provides immediate positive reinforcement. If the student’s response is incorrect, the information is given to them again so they can process it before moving on to the next module.
Instructor-led programs are possible, but they work best in one-on-one settings or with a small group of students with similar abilities; it’s a difficult method to implement in larger groups. The majority of curricula that use programmed instruction are designed to be self-taught, allowing students to work at their own pace. This also allows faster learners to advance more quickly while allowing others to take their time. Programs can be taught either through a textbook or through a computer. Computers, which are ideal for this approach because software can be programmed to deliver information and test questions automatically, are used in most modern programmed instruction.
Many consider B.F. Skinner to be the “father” of programmed instruction. In the 1950s, he popularized the method. It was a behavioral method, according to Skinner, that used questions to elicit the correct response as the desired behavior. The student was then allowed to move on to new material, which rewarded or reinforced the behavior. Skinner invented a mechanical device known as a “teaching machine” that contained a list of questions that automated the task of programmed instruction by the standards of his time.