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You can develop your own modules for self-instruction
You can develop your own modules for self-instruction Are you interested in developing learning modules for inserviceor orientation programs? The self-instructional learning laboratory offered at Congress this year was a huge success. Many of you who completed the Selfpaced Learning Programs asked for a learning module on developing self-instruction materials. This column is written in an autotutorial format so readers will have practice in selfinstruction while learning about the development process. Information written in italics indicates the components of this self-instruction module. The normal typeface, which follows each component, gives explanations of the various parts that all learning modules should contain. Developing self-instruction modules The title is a succinct statement of the topic. Catchy titles are useful if they grab the learner’s attention as well as clearly reveal the subject matter. Target audience: Operating room nurses who are responsible for staff development or who are interested in self-instruction The choice of the target audience for this module was based on a needs assessment consisting of written and verbal requests by operating room nurses at Congress. Objectives 1. Define self-instruction.
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State three advantages and three disadvantages of self-instruction as a teaching and learning methodology. List the seven basic components of selfinstruction modules. Describe the process of developing a self-instruction module. Learner objectives should be written in behavioral or measurable terms. Guidelines for writing behavioral objectives were outlined in this column in May (pages 1130 to 1134). The learner should be able to accomplish the objectives by the end of the module. The objectives of this module describe expectations of cognitive skills. A module on a topic such as gowning and gloving might involve learning psychomotor skills. Such a module might be written to include actual practice in the technique. An appropriate objective might be: “Glove according to the steps outlined in the module.” This objective would alert the learner that she actually would be practicing gloving as part of the module and that she would be evaluatedon her psychomotorskills. Module instructions 1 . Read Table 1, “Glossary of terms.” 2. Study Figure 1 , “Module creation-A chronological approach.” 3. Read Table 2, “Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction.” 4. If they are available, read the following articles: Hinthorne, R. “Methods of teachingRevisited: Self-instructionalmodules.” Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing 11 (July-August 1980) 37-39. Thompson, M A. “A systematic approach to module development.” Journal of Nursing Education 17 (October 1978)
AORN Journal, July 1981,V o l 3 4 , No I
Fig 1
Module creationA chronological approach
target population
module
I’
\
USe module
Determine general title
I
Begin here
Pilot
20-26. If it is available, listen to the tape: Swendsen, L A. “Self-instructional programs for the OR nurse.” AORN 28th annual Congress, Dallas 1981. Complete the learner activity. Read the learner feedback. Instructionsgive the sequence of events the learner is to follow. It is important to write clear instructions since the self-instruction concept is new to many learners. What seems obvious to the person preparing the self-instructional materials may be confusing to the learner unless instructions are precise. Try to include a variety of learning experiences. The use of different types of media often helps to maintain the learners’ interest. Be sure all bibliographic references are com-
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plete. It is agood ideato provide some educational content with the module so the individual does not have to search for learning materials immediately.This helps ease the learner into the self-instruction format. Learner activity Instructions: Please write the answers to the following on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Define self-instruction in your own words. 2. What are three advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction? 3. List the components of self-instruction modules. 4. What is the step-by-step process of developing a self-instruction module?
AORN Journal, July 1981,Vol34, No 1
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Table 1
Glossary of terms Learner Activity: Posttest, the evaluation portion of the learning experience. Relates directly to the objectives. Some people like to include a pretest as a learner activity to be completed before any educational content is given. Learnerfeedback: The correct responsesto the learner activity. Answers to pretest (if given) and posttest. If the learner activity can be completed in several ways, the feedback must include the various possible answers. Media: Audiovisual aids to learning. Includes written information, films, video cassettes, slides, audiotapes, computers, etc. Module: An instructional package that includes a title, target audience, objectives, instructions, educational content, learner activity, and learner feedback. Self-instruction: Learningon one’s own. The pace of learning and responsibilityfor learning is up to the individual.The learner usually uses prepared materials or modules.
Table 2
Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction Advantages adaptable to individuals self-paced active participation in learning immediate feedback 0 independent learning efficient for learner, ie, can do when time permits efficient for teacher, ie, no repeatingclasses appeals to characteristics of adult learners Disadvantages new mode of learning-people may resist time consuming to develop independent learning does not appeal to all learner may have less direct input from teacher operation of audiovisual equipment, if used, may intimidate learner
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The learner activity evaluates the accomplishment of objectives. It can include straightforward questions like those in this module. Hypothetical situations with appropriate questions are useful for evaluating objectives as well. The more creative the learner activity, the more interesting it will be for the learner.Try to relate the activity to the learner’s own individual experiences whenever possible. Learner feedback 1. Your answer should be similar to the one below. It should contain at least two of the basic concepts listed below. Self-instructionis the process of learning on one’s own. The person engaging in self-instruction is responsible for her own learning. She can complete the module at her own pace. Selfinstruction is usually based on an already prepared module. 2. See Table 2, “Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction. Your answer should include any three advantages and disadvantages. 3. The components of self-instructionmodules are title, target audience, behavioral objectives, instructions, educationalcontent, learner activity, and learner feedback. 4. See Figure 1 , “Module creation-A chronological approach.” Your answer should include all of the steps in proper chronological order. ’I
End of module The learner feedback gives the answers to the questions in the learner activity. Include all possible responses. Tell the learner how much of the answer she is expected to know. Refer to educational content or bibliographic references in the module when providing learner feedback. Finish with the word “end” or indicate in some way that the learner has completed the module.
Leslie R Grosser, RN, MS Program specialist1 continuing education
AORN Journal, July 1981, Vol34, No 1
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State three advantages and three disadvantages of self-instruction as a teaching and learning methodology. List the seven basic components of selfinstruction modules. Describe the process of developing a self-instruction module. Learner objectives should be written in behavioral or measurable terms. Guidelines for writing behavioral objectives were outlined in this column in May (pages 1130 to 1134). The learner should be able to accomplish the objectives by the end of the module. The objectives of this module describe expectations of cognitive skills. A module on a topic such as gowning and gloving might involve learning psychomotor skills. Such a module might be written to include actual practice in the technique. An appropriate objective might be: “Glove according to the steps outlined in the module.” This objective would alert the learner that she actually would be practicing gloving as part of the module and that she would be evaluatedon her psychomotorskills. Module instructions 1 . Read Table 1, “Glossary of terms.” 2. Study Figure 1 , “Module creation-A chronological approach.” 3. Read Table 2, “Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction.” 4. If they are available, read the following articles: Hinthorne, R. “Methods of teachingRevisited: Self-instructionalmodules.” Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing 11 (July-August 1980) 37-39. Thompson, M A. “A systematic approach to module development.” Journal of Nursing Education 17 (October 1978)
AORN Journal, July 1981,V o l 3 4 , No I
Fig 1
Module creationA chronological approach
target population
module
I’
\
USe module
Determine general title
I
Begin here
Pilot
20-26. If it is available, listen to the tape: Swendsen, L A. “Self-instructional programs for the OR nurse.” AORN 28th annual Congress, Dallas 1981. Complete the learner activity. Read the learner feedback. Instructionsgive the sequence of events the learner is to follow. It is important to write clear instructions since the self-instruction concept is new to many learners. What seems obvious to the person preparing the self-instructional materials may be confusing to the learner unless instructions are precise. Try to include a variety of learning experiences. The use of different types of media often helps to maintain the learners’ interest. Be sure all bibliographic references are com-
104
plete. It is agood ideato provide some educational content with the module so the individual does not have to search for learning materials immediately.This helps ease the learner into the self-instruction format. Learner activity Instructions: Please write the answers to the following on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Define self-instruction in your own words. 2. What are three advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction? 3. List the components of self-instruction modules. 4. What is the step-by-step process of developing a self-instruction module?
AORN Journal, July 1981,Vol34, No 1
~~
Table 1
Glossary of terms Learner Activity: Posttest, the evaluation portion of the learning experience. Relates directly to the objectives. Some people like to include a pretest as a learner activity to be completed before any educational content is given. Learnerfeedback: The correct responsesto the learner activity. Answers to pretest (if given) and posttest. If the learner activity can be completed in several ways, the feedback must include the various possible answers. Media: Audiovisual aids to learning. Includes written information, films, video cassettes, slides, audiotapes, computers, etc. Module: An instructional package that includes a title, target audience, objectives, instructions, educational content, learner activity, and learner feedback. Self-instruction: Learningon one’s own. The pace of learning and responsibilityfor learning is up to the individual.The learner usually uses prepared materials or modules.
Table 2
Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction Advantages adaptable to individuals self-paced active participation in learning immediate feedback 0 independent learning efficient for learner, ie, can do when time permits efficient for teacher, ie, no repeatingclasses appeals to characteristics of adult learners Disadvantages new mode of learning-people may resist time consuming to develop independent learning does not appeal to all learner may have less direct input from teacher operation of audiovisual equipment, if used, may intimidate learner
106
The learner activity evaluates the accomplishment of objectives. It can include straightforward questions like those in this module. Hypothetical situations with appropriate questions are useful for evaluating objectives as well. The more creative the learner activity, the more interesting it will be for the learner.Try to relate the activity to the learner’s own individual experiences whenever possible. Learner feedback 1. Your answer should be similar to the one below. It should contain at least two of the basic concepts listed below. Self-instructionis the process of learning on one’s own. The person engaging in self-instruction is responsible for her own learning. She can complete the module at her own pace. Selfinstruction is usually based on an already prepared module. 2. See Table 2, “Advantages and disadvantages of self-instruction. Your answer should include any three advantages and disadvantages. 3. The components of self-instructionmodules are title, target audience, behavioral objectives, instructions, educationalcontent, learner activity, and learner feedback. 4. See Figure 1 , “Module creation-A chronological approach.” Your answer should include all of the steps in proper chronological order. ’I
End of module The learner feedback gives the answers to the questions in the learner activity. Include all possible responses. Tell the learner how much of the answer she is expected to know. Refer to educational content or bibliographic references in the module when providing learner feedback. Finish with the word “end” or indicate in some way that the learner has completed the module.
Leslie R Grosser, RN, MS Program specialist1 continuing education
AORN Journal, July 1981, Vol34, No 1