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A Systems Approach to
Teaching
A Pace Learning
System is unique in its instruction and in its method of delivery for
instruction. Both the method of instruction and the method of delivery
contribute to our success in individualizing instruction. A Pace Learning
System is programmed instruction, and the framework by which the
instruction is provided is called a systems approach to teaching.
Certain characteristics come to mind when we describe familiar systems such
as a transportation system or computer system. One definition of a system is
"an organized process by which parts work together to achieve a plan,
goal, or an objective." Additionally, effective systems of any type
include assessment, management, and evaluation. Pace Learning Systems applies
these characteristics of a system to teaching and learning.
There are five steps in operating a Pace Learning System:
Step 1: Orientation
Step 2: Diagnosis
Step 3: Prescription
Step 4: Instructional Management
Step 5: Evaluation
Step 1: Orientation
Orientation is an important first step in a systems approach to teaching.
With this step, you promote the students' enthusiasm for and commitment to
the program and help students define their educational goals. You establish a
positive working relationship with students so that they will trust you to
help them with their needs. In addition, you familiarize students with
program goals and inform students of program policies and procedures that lay
the foundation for classroom management. During orientation, you gather
information from students, have them complete necessary paperwork, and
prepare them for Step 2.
Step 2: Diagnosis
With this step, you make a preliminary assessment of each student's
functional level. By administering the system Pretest, you determine each
student's strengths and weaknesses. Diagnosis provides the data for
developing the student's individual training or education plan.
Step 3: Prescription
Prescription identifies instructional materials for remediating students'
weaknesses. The prescribing process takes only a short time, and directions
for accomplishing this step are in the system Instructor's Guide. During
prescription, you prepare each student's Study Schedule that lists all the
lessons the student will complete. Generally, students work through their
study schedules in the order in which the lessons are listed. The lessons are
sequenced to follow the natural teaching order for the skills taught in a
particular system.
Step 4: Instructional Management
Once their Study Schedules are prepared, students begin working through
their lesson assignments. Students work independently and at their own speed.
The instructor monitors students' progress, reinforces on-task behavior,
gives support and assistance, and interacts positively with students as their
coach or mentor. The lessons provide instruction; the instructor manages the
learning process, the students, and the classroom resources.
Step 5: Evaluation
The last step in a systems approach to teaching is evaluation. It is,
however, continuous throughout the program and is accomplished in a variety
of ways. First, programmed instruction lessons provide immediate feedback, a
built-in evaluation. A practice test following each lesson is a
self-evaluation for the student before she takes the post-lesson mastery
test. And, the end-of-system evaluation, a posttest, comes after a student
has completed her entire Study Schedule.
When you combine an effective systems approach to teaching with
well-developed programmed instruction, you have an education program that
delivers results and ensures student success.
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