Personalized System for Instruction (PSI)

“as fast as they can or as slowly as they need”

– Michael Metzler

Background

• Originally designed in the 1960s by Dr. Fred Keller

• Used for university psychology courses

(> 300 students/class)

What is PSI?

• Student-centered approach

• Course/topic is broken

into modules

• Modules into units

• Places more responsibility

on student

• Allows teacher to monitor class

Components of PSI

1. Learning is self-paced

2. Mastery-based learning

3. Content is passed on via written instructions

4. Proctors

5. Lectures and demos designed to increase motivation

Benefits

• Student learning is increased (Creggor & Metzler, 1992)

• Higher rates of:– Engagement– Skill practice– Academic learning time– Verbal & non-verbal feedback

Goals of PSI

• Student mastery1. Small units

2. Coherent progression

3. Demonstration of mastery

4. Observable criterion

5. Corrective actions

What Do Students Need?

• Readiness for learning– Independent?– Reading skills?– Responsible?– Are they receptive to the idea?

• What type of student will enjoy this model?

PSI Approach

PSI in Physical Education

1. Begin with lecture/talk

2. View demonstration

3. Written cues

4. Practice/Drill

5. Readiness Drill

6. Corrections

7. Criterion Task

Task Presentation

• Written text

• Pictures

• Videos

Structure

• Equipment

• Space/location

• Performance criteria

• Safety concerns

• Task completion

• Corrections

The Workbook

• The most important component

• Uses– Attendance – Contract/disclosure– Progress chart– Modules

What about the Teacher?

• Appropriate learning

• Able to explain in writing

• Break down skills

• Meaningful assessments

PSI

Pros

• Self paced• Intrinsic motivation• Teaches personal

responsibility• Aids in technology

learning• Literacy• More freedom for teacher

Cons

• Meaningful?• Front loaded• Teacher needs to be

expert ?• Student readiness• Can’t continue until

completed

Which SituationGrade Level PSI? Adaptations?

Preschool No

Elementary No

Middle School/Jr. High Yes •Decrease learning tasks •Simplify•Stations•Task cards•Others?

High School Yes •Peer teaching•Media•Teacher checked tasks•Others?

Adults Yes None

Summary

• Self Paced

• Less time in instruction

• Increases intrinsic motivation

• More responsibility on student

• Ton of work for teacher to set up

• More activity

Conclusion

• Suggestions for future consideration– Content

• Strategy• Advanced skills

– Other courses– Alternative deliveries

• DVD• Ipad

Module• Intro

• Task

• Cues

• Comprehension

• Readiness drill

• Errors

• Criterion task

• Challenge drill

Example

Set Shot Demo