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Modules
Although research has demonstrated that no one method of learning has been identified as having clear superiority over any other method for all students, three elements that seem to have a positive effect on all learners have emerged from the studies. Burns identified these as individual pacing, feedback and reinforcement (17).
An instructional module is a structured sequence of learning events designed to accommodate the attainment, on the part of the learner, of a wide range of objectives (17:28). Instructional modules are one type of package for implementing individualized instruction. According to Burns, they should do the following:
1. Consider the learner's interests.
2. Consider the learner's readiness.
3. Consider the learner's rate of learning.
4. Consider the learner's repertoire of habits that he
applies to learning.
5. Provide the learner with success.
6. Provide the learner with corrective feedback.
7. Provide the learner with knowledge of cognitive and
psychomotor goals. (17:28)
Fraley and Vargas see modularization as a breakthrough to custom tailored curriculums with much flexibility in crossing disciplinary lines (29:2).