CBT versus Traditional Programs

The table below differentiates between Traditional Approach and CBT

Approach:

Traditional Approach CBT Approach

Instructors focus on managing Trainers focus on managing learning
instructions
Most students enter at about the Trainees enter various times
same time throughout the year
Students all cover the same material Different trainees may be training for
different occupations within the
same program
Students all proceed from one topic Each trainee moves on to next task
to the next at the same time only after mastering the task he/she
is currently working on.
The instructor controls the learning Each trainee progresses at his or her
pace own pace
All students are usually tested once Each trainee is tested when ready to
demonstrate mastery
Very little continuous feedback is Immediate feedback is given to each
given trainee at critical points in the
learning process.
The instructor is involved in teaching The trainer must be able to answer
only one topic at a time questions on many different tasks
each day.
Retesting is discourage or not Retesting is encourage for mastery
allowed at all
Materials, tools and supplies for only The trainer must see that all
one topic are needed at a time materials needed for many tasks are
readily available.
The number of students enrolled is As vacancies are filled, the trainees’
maximum capacity at the beginning enrollment remains at maximum
of the year or term and declines to capacity all year long.
half or less towards the end.
Most instructions are delivered by or The trainer must manage the use of
dependent upon the instructor a wide variety of instructional media
and materials each day
The instructor controls the sequence If possible, trainees determine the
in which topics will be covered. sequence of tasks.