Programmed Learning: Meaning And Significance | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Learning new skills is an essential part of expanding educational understanding and fostering innovation. The success of the educational system depends on various factors, such as the teacher's character, their enthusiasm and motivation to learn, and their ability to engage students in creative activities that facilitate knowledge acquisition. In today's rapidly advancing technological era, where knowledge is expanding in diverse fields and the demand for specialists in emerging areas is rising, the efficiency of the educational system has become increasingly important. Evaluation criteria, such as achieving results quickly, cost-effectiveness, and eliminating time-consuming processes, are commonly used in the education industry. Programmed learning has gained significance as it addresses the cognitive challenges associated with classroom learning. Despite its relatively short history, programmed learning has integrated pedagogy, educational technology, and various subject areas, with professionals from diverse fields working to advance it.

Explaining Programmed Learning

Programmed learning is a method based on behavior modification that breaks down complex tasks into manageable chunks. As the learner progresses, they receive feedback on their performance. Developed by behaviorist B.F. Skinner in the 1950s, programmed teaching allows students to learn independently using specially designed textbooks and instructional materials. The goal was to alleviate educators from the tedious tasks of problem-solving and exercises, particularly in subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic. Skinner's work was based on behavior modification theory, which suggests that learners acquire knowledge when appropriate behaviors are reinforced. In the early days, learners used computers to input their solutions to basic arithmetic problems. If the response was correct, the system moved on to the next item. Incorrect responses were disqualified. Skinner believed that programmed learning, with its instant and individualized reinforcement, was preferable to traditional teacher-based education, where students had to wait for detailed answers or vocal responses.

Principles of Programmed Learning

Programmed learning operates on several principles that contribute to its effectiveness:

• Active: Teachers evaluate a student's comprehension level by asking questions, and the student's responses indicate their level of understanding.
• Immediate: Learners require instant feedback on the accuracy of their answers. If they can determine whether their answer is correct or incorrect, they can proceed to the next topic.
• Small Steps: Breaking down learning into small steps reduces setbacks and minimizes the chances of learners feeling like failures due to mistakes.
• Self-Pacing: Allowing students to learn at their own pace enables them to choose a study speed that suits their individual needs.
• Variability: The true measure of a program's efficacy lies in whether genuine knowledge is created, rather than relying solely on professional judgment. Testing the software with students who haven't yet studied the material helps refine the final product based on the results.

Algorithm of Programmed Learning

While the concept of an algorithm is essential in mathematics, it cannot be precisely described in the context of programmed learning. An algorithm is a rule or technique of computation. The term originates from the scientist Mohammed ibn, from whom we derive the word "mathematics." The application of basic procedures and rules to arithmetic operations forms the basis of algorithms. Programmed learning aims to impart information quickly by creating a repeatable sequence of educational events that uniformly influences the behavior of suitable learners.

Conclusion

Throughout history, humanity has sought to master the art of knowledge management. This generation stands out due to its advanced technical and scientific capabilities. Knowledge is growing exponentially, and new methods of organization and categorization are constantly sought after. The integration of psychology, neurology, genetics, and technology allows for unprecedented potential in harnessing the human mind's talents. The effectiveness and breadth of educational standards and the increasing demand for specialists are globally significant. In the field of education, like other sectors, success is measured by the speed of achieving goals, productivity, and the adoption of cutting-edge tools. Programmed learning, with its emphasis on control, has found its way into various disciplines, incorporating multiple fields of study and professional expertise. While debates exist regarding the exclusive use of training programs as the primary mode of instruction, most experts agree that programmed learning streamlines classroom operations and complements traditional approaches to education. However, student motivation and engagement remain crucial for effective learning outcomes. Active learning will yield little results without the students' drive to learn and the teacher's ability to spark curiosity and maintain engagement throughout the lesson.