THE PERSONALIZED SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION (PSI) - A QUARTER-CENTURY REPORT

The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) is one of the most effect ive instructional delivery systems to have appeared in the last half c entury. It has a sound foundation in learning theory and is supported by an extensive base of empirical research. Yet, it has faced numerous political challenges. This chapter describes PSI's theoretical base a nd analyzes the components that have contributed to its effectiveness. It also discusses political issues that have plagued it in such diver se settings as the United States Navy and several prestigious colleges and universities. These criticisms include: (a) confusion with indivi dualized instruction, (b) accusations of inferior materials and low-le vel objectives, (c) a change in the role of the instructor, and (d) th e use of student tutors to perform administrative and instructional se rvices. It concludes with a description of an integrated, on-line test management system that both handles PSI's administrative chores and m arkedly reduces the ratio of tutors to students.