ERIC Number: ED236741
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Personalized Instruction Model in the Basic Speech Course.
Seiler, William J.
While no one method can possibly solve all the problems in an educational system, the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) addresses many. The PSI method is a self-paced, mastery learning approach based on reinforcement and personal attention. It is typified by five characteristics that help to meet or minimize the adverse aspects of traditional instruction: (1) mastery learning, (2) self-pacing, (3) a stress on the written word, (4) proctors, and (5) lectures to motivate rather than to supply essential information. PSI assumes that if activities are to produce positive outcomes, learners must be allowed to learn at their own rate; learning should occur in small, sequential segments; and several trials should be allowed for students' success. The PSI model is ideal for teaching the basic speech communication course. An effective communicator uses psychomotor skills that often demand practice, feedback, and repetition to be successful. The PSI model provides students with immediate feedback for making corrections without penalizing them for mistakes, allows the flexibility of self-pacing, and provides the student with individual help. Use of the PSI model in a basic speech course, however, reduces the number of students listening to classmates' presentations, because self-pacing requires that some students continue in the course while others give speeches. While not appropriate for everybody, the approach may be used by teachers interested in having students learn at their own pace and willing to give up the traditional role of instructor. (HOD)
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A