INTRODUCTION

Individualized instruction is a teaching method that tailors instruction to

the needs and learning style of the learners in a regular or main stream class room. This
means that classes are differentiated. In individualized instruction there are fewer general
lectures by teacher. The teacher moves around the classroom monitoring the progress of
individual students and giving specific help where it is needed. The learning goals remain the
same for all learners in the class but the learning content, instructional materials and pace of
learning are varied by the teacher according to the abilities and interest of individual learners.
Learning material includes audio, video, textbooks and computer-assisted instruction and
they varied according to the learning styles of individual learners.
Personalized system of instruction (PSI), modular instruction and language
laboratory are mode of individualized instruction like programmed learning. Personalized
system of instruction is developed by FS Keller, AC Sharma and others in 1963. An
instructional module is self contained, self pacing and self learning technique of instruction.
The language laboratory is an audio or audio-visual installation used as an aid in modern
language teaching

PERSONALIZED SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION (PSI)

It is a mode of individualized instruction like programmed learning. This is

developed by F S Keller, A C Sharma and others in 1963. Another name for Keller plan is
PSI.

Organization of PSI course

The basis of Keller plan is a study guide prepared for each unit of study along with the
text books. Every people should have a copy of it. Study guide includes introduction to the
unit, list of behavioural objectives, self- study methods, items of practical and feed work and
questions to be discussed with teachers after study. Study guide also provides supplementary
content to the text book and unit test at the end.
The course contents in a subject, split into specific units, each with a list of expected
learning outcome. The learner learns at his own pace. There is provision for feedback and
continuous evaluation. A progress chart is prepared for each pupil.

PSI Personnel
PSI personnel consist of PSI teacher, PSI instructor, proctors and class assistants. PSI
teacher is the leader of the course. He works as a manager and observer of the course. He
prepares good written materials and evaluation tools and creates a co-operative atmosphere in
schools. PSI instructor designs the course of instruction and prepares written materials.
Proctors are recruited by PSI teacher. The selection of proctors can be done internally and
externally. Graduate students are selected as external proctors. Internal proctors are selected
from among PSI students who show academic brilliance. They give guidance to the PSI
students who are backward in studies. One or two for a class of 50 or 60 students render their
service as class assistants in conducting unit tests and other projects.

Features of PSI

It is self pacing
There is interaction with PSI personnel and students
It provides learning tasks through writing, tape recorders, film or any other

instructions.
Each student will have proctors who evaluate his work and provide personal lectures,
counselling and encouragement.

MODULAR INSTRUCTION (modules)

An instructional module is self-contained, selfpacing and self-learning
technique of instruction. It is self- contained in the sense that the objectives, the sequence of
learning activities and evaluation devices are thoroughly planned for the unit of instruction.

Features of self learning module

The objectives and learning activities should be properly sequenced

The learning activities should make the best use of local community resources
The subject matter should be correct and presented in an interesting manner
It should provide opportunities for the learner to interact with other students
General instructions should be given properly in the modules
Expected behavioural outcomes should be clearly stated

Instructions to feed back questions should be given

Answer key for the feedback questions should also be provided

Components of a self learning module

An instructional module is self- sufficient. This self-sufficiency is achieved by
providing all the materials needed for learning. This self-sufficient curricular module is called
a learning package. If the unit of instruction is large, it can be split into smaller units called
capsule. Each capsule contains the learning materials with directions, expected learning
outcomes and feedback questions. The essential components of a self learning module are
given below.

Title: it should be concise and clear.

Introduction: it should have a proper introduction
Overview: the overview contains a purpose, organization, structure and use of a

module.
Instructions of users: this part is meant to give clear instructions to the learners as how

he should proceed with the different components of module

Pre-test: this is a test for the learners at the beginning to assess the level of knowledge

and skills the learner already have equal to testing the previous knowledge in a lesson.
Objectives: instructional objectives in terms of behaviour should be clearly and
precisely stated so that the learner would know what is the learning outcome of a

given activity.
Learning activities: the learning activities enable the teacher to develop behaviour in a
pre-determined direction. It should be based on learners previous knowledge,

expected learning outcome, interest, learning abilities, learning styles etc.

Formative tests: this is the test given at the end of each learning activity to know

whether the learner has achieved the expected learning outcome.

Summative test: this is done through post test which helps to know how well the
learner has attained the expected learning outcomes.

Procedure to develop a module

Identify the learning groups and their needs

Select a topic and split into small units
Select objectives for learning modules
Identify the learning activities and arrange in a logical sequence

Conduct a pre-test to assess the level of mastery of the child to begin the activities
Prepare learning objectives, activities, formative and summative tests.
Try out the module with a few students
Rearrange the items based on the try out result
Finalize the instructional module in a book form

LANGUAGE LABORATORY
In language laboratory a native speaker would say a key sentence and there is time for
the student to repeat it. Now there is language laboratory with records of the native
speaker centrally stored and appropriate lessons transmitted through earphones. Teacher
observes and helps the students, and correct and improve the programmes.

Advantages

Active simultaneous participation of all students

A variety of native voices, untiring models
For individual differences, lessons adapted to students which they follow

at their own pace.

Teacher freedom from tedious drilling routines
Teacher opportunity to correct students without interrupting others
Equal hearing conditions for all students
Privacy, reducing inhibitions and distractions
Facilities for group testing of listening and speaking skills possibilities for

coordinating audio and visual materials

Aid to teachers in improving their audio-lingual proficiency

CONCLUSION

Personalized system of instruction (PSI) was originally designed a classroom

based method of instruction with the intention of improving students achievement and, at the
same time, replacing the long tradition of punishments in education with the use of positive
consequences for learning. Modular instruction is a packet of subject related teaching
materials containing objectives, directions for use, and test items. Language laboratory

provides equal opportunity to all the students to hear the irrespective of place where they are
seated.