INSTRUCTIONAL MODULES

INSTRUCTIONAL MODULES

 Modular teaching is one of the most widespread and recognizes teaching learning techniques in United States, Australia and many other Western countries including Asian region. Modular is used in all most all subject like natural science, especially in biology and medical education and even in social sciences as well as in computers education. All kinds of subjects are being taught through modules. It is a recent development based on programmed learning; a well established and universally recognized phenomenon. It considering the individual differences among the learners which necessitate the planning for adoption of the most appropriate teaching techniques in order to help the individual grow and develop at his/her own pace.     

DEFINITION

⇨"Module is a unit of work in a course of instruction that is virtually self-contained and a method of teaching that is based on the building up skills and knowledge is discrete unit."

⇨"An instructional module is a self contained and self sufficient unit of instruction for the learner to achieve a set of objectives."

CHARACTRISTICS OF MODULE

v It should be independent.

v Self-contained.

v Self instructional

v Well defined.

v Clearly defined objectives.

v Concern individual differences.

v Systematically organized learning opportunities.

v Utilization of a variety of media.

v Active participation by learner.

v Immediate reinforcement of responses.

v Mastery of evaluation strategy.

v Evaluation of the work.

COMPONENTS OF MODULE

The following are the main components of the module.

(a).Title

The title of the module should be clear and concise.

(b).Introduction

The introduction should give the background and rationale of the module as well as the population for whom the module has been developed.

(c).Overview

The overview introduces the learner to the theme of the module, its purpose, organization, and uses. It should give an overall impression of the module and its contest.

(d).Instructions to the Users

The component should include clear instruction to the learner as to how he should proceed, and what he has to do after each step .This is an important component of the module and it would help the learner in self learning. Most of the instructions relating to different components of the module such as how to take pretest, formative tests, summative test and how to undertake learning activities etc. can be given in this section.

(e).Pre- test

A pre test is given at the beginning. This helps to find out the level of knowledge and skill that the learner already posses. This helps the learner to find for himself the entry points in the module. If the ability of the learner is up to the criterion reference or to module developer ,he may be advised to skip the module and go on to the next one. But if the level of achievement is below the expected, he is asked to study the module again.

(f).Objectives

The instructional objectives of the module should be clearly stated. They should specify the expected learning outcomes in terms of behavior. A behavioral objective should be stated clearly and precisely.

(g).Learning Activities

 Learning activities enable the learner to develop behavior in a predetermined direction. The following are some of the principle that should kept in mind while developing the learning activities.

·        The learning activities should be planned on the basis of the entry behavior for the learners.

·        The learning objectives should be based on the need of the learners.

·        The learning activities should be based on the terminal behavior, that is the ultimate outcome of the learning activities.

·        The learning activities should provide for individual differences.

·        The learning activities should provide the learner with the knowledge of his progress.

(h).Formative Tests

Formative tests are given at the end of each learning unit or learning activity. The formative steps help the learner to know whether he has reached the expected behavioral outcome. If he has not reached the expected mastery level, he should go through the learning activities again in consultation with the teacher.

(i).Summative Evaluation

The summative evaluation is done with the help of post test. The post test helps in knowing how well the learner has attained the expected learning outcomes. In some modules the pre-tests and post-test are same but is advisable to have two parallel versions of the same test.

ADVANTAGES

·        Learning became more effective.

·        It establishes a system of assessment other than marks or guide.

·        Users study the modules in their own working environment.

·        Modules can be administrated to single use, small group or large group.

·        It is more appropriate to mature students.

·        Accept greater responsibility for learning.

·        It already got wider accessibility in the present educational scenario.

DISADVANTAGES

·        Modules are economical in their use.

·        Appropriate only for matured students

·        This methods demands smart classrooms.

When we analyzing the modular method of teaching, we can understand that this is more effective, recent and more technology based teaching method in the present educational field. Modular approach provides more flexibility to distance teaching mode as well to learners.

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