The concept of individualized instruction has been discussed for more than 60 years. Some individualized instruction techniques that have been implemented over the years with varying degrees of success are ability grouping, nongraded schools, special classes for exceptional children, tracking (academic versus vocational), remedial classes, and…

This paper describes two modes of educational decision-making: Mode I, in which the instructor makes such decisions as what to teach, to whom, when, in what order, at what pace, and at what complexity level; and Mode II, in which the learner makes the decisions. While Mode I comprises most of what is regarded as formal education, the learner in…

The author describes and gives examples of his Optional Assignments Method (OAM) system of individualized instruction for postsecondary basic drafting courses. The OAM system allows students to begin and complete the course at any time and to work at their own pace. (MF)

Reviews research results and arguments supporting Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) as a paradigm for distance learning, describes a project at Athabasca University which compared various PSI configurations for distance learning, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and flexibility of PSI for such use. Nineteen references…

The Practical Industrial Communication (PIC) program is a form of individualized instruction that teaches communication skills to students in vocational/technical curricula at Red River Community College, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A placement test determines whether students begin with all or part of a ten-hour writing skills review or proceed directly…

The concepts of resources, resources centers, and resource-based learning and their interrelationships are described and the role of resources centers in both student-centered and teacher/institution-centered educational systems is examined. Factors in three areas that should be considered in the planning, organization, and operation of a…

This five-volume course is designed to provide the student with information about fire protection, first aid and rescue, and special situation firefighting techniques. The course is one of number of military-developed curriculum packages selected for adaptation to vocational instruction and curriculum development in civilian setting. The course…

The need at the community college level for the development of new styles or modes of education that are consistent with the uniqueness of the individual student and will help him realize his human potential is discussed. Such styles or modes are based upon an educational theory called confluent education. The Semester for Self-Directed Study is a…

Presents a model for testing in individualized adult programs which includes aptitude, placement, achievement, and proficiency measurements. The model calls for measurement of discrete-point knowledge as well as the communicative ability and cultural insights of students. The kind and detail of record-keeping are discussed. (Author/AMH)

The University of Minnesota offered an experimental course to teach people to develop performance-based instruction courses and programs for education and industry. Computer-based teacher education was provided through distance delivery independent study with tutoring. The course was designed using the performance-based instructional design…

An Individualized Instructional Systems Program is a proqram that enables students to: (1) have available in writing the behavioral objectives they try to attain; (2) progress at their own individual rate while completing the required tasks, activities, and objectives of the course; (3) spend as much time as needed to complete the objectives of…

Traditional educational design methods take little account of individual learner's needs and learning processes. Effective design involves overcoming internal forces that oppose the educator's learning goals. Self-directed learning principles and practices work selectively with the learner's own needs and motives, strengthening confidence and…

A study was conducted in the Navy to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of individualized instruction (II) compared to conventional instruction (CI). Comparisons were made concerning the relationships of method of instruction, ability level, and type of training task to training time, training costs, end-of-course grades, and fleet…

Described are current postsecondary educational programs in California that are designed primarily for: (1) over-25 adults with job and family responsibilities that preclude full-time residence degree study and (2) younger adults interested in a form of education that does not preclude wage earning and continuing involvement in their local…

This booklet is the second of three sequels to "A Guide to the Selection of Instructional Methods." Following a brief introduction, the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of five individualized learning techniques are examined: (1) directed study of material in textbooks; (2) study of specially-prepared hand-out notes or…