The modular instruction

Modular Instruction was first introduced by the American scientists - J. Russel and R. Hurst in 1960s.They defined a module – as an instructional package dealing with a single conceptual unit of subject matter.

Barbara and Marcel Goldschmid defined module as “a self-contained, independent unit of a planned series of learning activities designed to help the student accomplish certain well-defined objectives”.

Modular instruction is an attempt to individualize learning by enabling the students to master one unit of content before moving to another. The learning experience is often presented in a self-instructional format. The student controls the rate and intensity of his study. The length of the module may vary from only a few minutes of student time to several hours. The module can be used individually or combined in a variety of different sequences.

With the modular approach, the emphasis is not on the class as a whole but on individuals, as they have different abilities and limitations. A major contemporary goal of education is to provide an equal educational opportunity for students of every background, regardless of their intelligence and previous achievement. Individualized instruction is an attempt to provide the optimum learning conditions for each individual student. By individualized instruction is meant whatever arrangements make it possible for each student to be engaged at all times in learning those things that are of most value to himself, as an individual (ThorwaldEsbensen).

The main principles of the Modular instruction are:

Individualization

Modules can be highly individualized, or they can provide uniform instruction for a large number of students on an individual basis. Alternative modules can present different content and they allow each student to select the module appropriate for him and to study at a pace and a time most convenient and effective for him.

Flexibility

The student might be free to select the order in which he studies some of the modules. Besides, the small units of subject matter can be arranged or sequenced in a variety of formats.

Freedom

Modules can provide a maximum of student freedom for independent study. The emphasis is on student learning rather than on the teacher’s teaching. A disadvantage of modules can be a lack of interest on the part of the students, since the teacher is not always present, the student may not be motivated, or forced in some cases, to pursue the learning activity. So, it’s the teacher’s task to create an environment in which the learner is inspired to become involved in the process of learning.

Active participation

One of the most important features which should be incorporated into modules is the opportunity for active student participation. It’s known that students learn by doing. (See Edgar Dale’s Cone). Therefore, modules should always provide for active involvement, thus replacing the more passive reading of the text or just listening to the teacher with handling learning materials, manipulating equipment and responding frequently to pertinent questions.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14