The pace of technological change, its impact and influence on human behavior, and predictions as to the state of psychotechnology in 1980 are discussed. The author deals with contributions of behavioral scientists working in military and industrial settings toward solving societal problems. Five topics are emphasized. The rate of technological…

Instructional objectives are rarely supported by the delineation of alternate modalities for achieving those objectives. Both are necessary for the development of an individualized educational program. Learning research suggests nine general criteria for the selection of appropriate modalities: (1) the amount of immediate positive reinforcement…

The purposes of this study were (1) to ascertain the state of the art with regard to cost effectiveness and productivity analyses in education and (2) to develop an appropriate cost effectiveness analytical process model for education. Chapters I through III present a review of the literature on cost effectiveness analysis, cost benefit analysis,…

Evaluation designs are presented for these work components of the Improving Teaching Competencies Program (ITCP): (1) developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategy for disseminating selected ITCP instructional systems in Individually Guided Education (IGE) schools; (2) developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategy for disseminating…

With respect to the preparation of filmed program instruction, considerations involved in the choice between slides and filmstrips are discussed. The considerations of revision, quantity, length, storage, recycling, aspect ratio, change time, random access, and continuous repetition are presented. A comparison of the cost of preparing a master of…

The authors stress mastery criterion as the most important component of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). (DE)

A discussion of the reasons for PSI's effectiveness. The key features of the system appear to be three: small steps, immediate feedback, and a unit-mastery requirement. (Author/HB)

This paper relates the characteristics of PSI to current educational trends in society, discusses the theoretical desirability and the practical feasibility of arriving at a "mastery" level of course performance. (Author)

Automated generation and scoring of repeatable tests are a practical necessity in self-paced instruction, where the demand for repetitive testing is great. (Author)

Briefly argues for a broader interpretation of the concept of individualized instruction. Would include various forms of student expression and teacher sensitivity to the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of children as teaching dimensions which can be individualized. (JMB)

Using 68 students in professional education coursework, the study determined whether accomplishment of performance objectives determined by satisfactory performance on unit tests during instruction was related to the student's performance on an end-of-course retention test. Evidence supported the assignment of grade credit based on objective…

The author describes a graduate-level teacher education course in individualized instruction. The course itself was conducted in an individualized mode. (MJB)

Learning centers: (1) provide the teacher with time to spend more than a few minutes with a student; (2) allow a student to work at an appropriate level of ability at an appropriate pace; and (3) provide for individual needs and interests. Uses of learning centers in elementary physical education are discussed. (Author/MJB)

A review of the development and present status of individualized instruction. (MLF)

This review considers the validity of the question raised by R. L. Meek in his critique of the major features of PSI: Does PSI foster worthwhile instructional objectives? (VT)