MODULAR APPROACH

MODULAR  APPROACH

                The philosophy behind instructional module is based on the generally accepted fact that each learner is unique in his background ,experience , inherent qualities ,habits and learning styles ,and hence should be allowed to grow and develop in turn  with ones  fullest potential .Modular approach are now commonly used in education particularly in distance education such as IGNOU ,and some other open universities.    

MODULAR  APPROACH

                 Complexity of the existing learning environment warrants imparting a wide variety of learning experiences to the students. The traditional approaches to instruction are inadequate for providing learner centre and appropriate experience to the students .In this situation ,modern approaches like multimedia approach and modular approach can play a prominent role in providing effective learning experience to the students .For transacting curriculum material in an effective way ,a teacher can depend upon these approaches confidently .

            The term “instructional module” has become the generic name for free standing instructional units .Modules carry a wide variety of labels including “unipack” individualized learning package and ‘learning activity package’

MEANING AND DEFINITION

An instructional module is a self contained ,self sufficient unit of instruction for the learner to work for achieving a set of pre-determined objectives. A module contains three coordinated basic elements of instruction they are objectives , learning activities and evaluation . A module stands for a sub part or sub system of the curricular or an instructional programme .

                                        A module can be defined as “A set of learning activities intended  to facilitate the student’s achievements on an objectives”.

                                       An instructional programme in which modules are being used may be said to adopt the modular approach to instruction . A module represents a way of planning in which the whole curriculum or the classroom programmes are divided in to some meaningful units called capsules. At the end of each capsule  a self evaluation test and its key are given which provide immediate reinforcement to the iearner.

DEFINITIONS

      According to International Encyclopedia of Education, ”A module is a unit of curricular material, complete in itself to which further units may be added for the achievement of larger tasks  or long-term goals”.

Gabriel [1981],observed “Module is a learning strategy of a system with a set of definite objectives to meet the divergent learning style and individual difference by personalized  instruction using  multisensory approach and built in evaluation schemes”.

                         Mukhopadhyay [1980] explained the use of various steps for developing modules . They are;

            1. Module statement.

            2. Prospectus.

             3. Pretest.

              4. Pre-requisites.

              5. Resources.

              6. Objectives.

             7. Learning experiences or activities.

             8. Self – checks and assignments .

             9. Post test .

             10.Model answers to self – checks.      

Charecteristics  of  Modular Approach

               Modular approach is considered as an effective and economical  way of dev eloping specific items of knowledge and skills  with minimum authoritative direction and supervision by the teacher .It is an attempt  to make instruction individualized so that the student learns at his own pace according to his interest, capabilities and capabilities. A module can be in written form or in the form of slides , tapes,    pictures, etc. The following are the chief important charecteristics of modular approach.

1. Each module is developed for a specific target population of learners.

2. Modules are based on learning objectives stated in behavioural terms.

3. It may not require the presence of the instructor or information giver .

4. It should be fairly short and better .

5. It should include specific instruction for students.

6. Modules possess a sequence of key activities developed on the basis of the selected objectives,   content, learner , charecteristics  and the nature of the discipline.

7. It should be reality – oriented.

8. It should involve the students in real or simulated situations.

9. An in-built evaluation programme will be attached to each module , with a view to continuously assess the progress of each learner.

10. It should  not  be dull.

11. It should include a bibliography, suggestive of further readings or source related to skill.

Steps in Developing A Module

1. Identify the target group .

2. Identify the learning needs of the group.

3. Decide terminal behavior.

4. Identify entry  behavior .

5. Assessment of entry behavior through pre-test.

6. Preparation of training frames including objectives, learning activities, formative evaluation, and summative evaluation.

 7. Try out the module.

8. Revision and finalization of the module.

Components of A module

1. Title: The title of the module should be clear and concise.

2. Introduction: The introduction should give the background and rationale of the module as well as the target population for whom the module has been developed.

3. Overview: The over view  introduces the learner to the theme of the module its purpose ,organization and uses . It should give an overall impression of the module and its contest.

4. Instruction to the users : The component should include clear instruction to the learner as to how this should proceed and what he has to do after each step or stage . This is an important component of the module and it would help the learner in the  self learning . Most of the instructions relating to the different components of the module such as to take pre test , formative test , summative test and how to undertake learning activities etc can be gives  in this section.

5. Pre-test : It is taken by the instructor at the beginning . This help to find out the level of knowledge and skill that the learners already have . This helps the learner to find for himself the entry points in the module . If the ability of the learner is up to the criterion reference or to standard fixed by the teacher or the module developer , he3 may be advised to skip the module and go on to the next one . But if the level achievement is below the expected ,he is asked to study the module.

6. Objectives: The instructional objectives of the module should be clearly stated . They should specify the expected learning outcomes interms of behavior . A behavioural objective should be stated clearly and precisely. So that the learner would know what the learning outcome of a given activity will be.

7. Learning Activities: This should be provided in a planned and sequence manner. These activities enable the learner to develop behavior in a predetermined direction. It should be planned on the basis of entry behaviour  of the learners. The learning activities should provide the learner with the knowledge of his  progress.

8. Formative Test: These are given at the end of each learning activity . The formative steps help the learner to know whether he was reached the expected behavioural outcomes . If he has not reached the expected mastery level he should go through the learning activities given in consultation with the teacher.

9.Summative Evaluation; The summative evaluation is done with the help of a post- test . The post – test helps in knowing how well the learner has attained the expected outcomes . In some modules the pre – test  are the same  but it is available to have two parallel versions of the same test .

Advantages of Modular Approach

                           Following are the advantages  of the modular approach;

1. Learners can learn the subject matter according to one’s own pace of learning.

2. Simple interesting activities can be incorporated in the module and it will enable the students to actively participate in the learning process.

3. It helps the students to do independent thinking which in turn will lead to the development of creativity among the children.

4. Monotony of routine instruction can be avoided.

5. Remedial programme can be effectively implemented for the benefit of individual learners.

Disadvantages of Modular Approaches

1. Lack of proper guidance in using the module may spoil the true spirit of the approach .

2. The modular approach is likely to minimize the service given by teachers , which may lead to different emotional problem among the children.

3. Preparation of effective modules for all topics is a difficult task.

4. Utmost  care to be taken for tight control and close coordination for development and utilization of the modules.

5. Both students and teachers may be fully motivated but an adequate system of monitoring the progress and recording achievement is necessary for ensuring effectiveness.