Programmed instruction key features – UGC NET Question

Option D – programmed instruction Programmed instruction is an individualized teaching method in which learning material is broken into small frames or steps. Learners respond to each frame and receive immediate feedback about the correctness of their response before moving on. The sequence is carefully structured so that students progress at their own pace through a logically ordered path. These features—small steps, immediate feedback and self-pacing—are exactly those described in the stem, making programmed instruction the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A, lecture method, is typically teacher-centred and involves extended oral explanation to a large group. It does not usually provide immediate, individualized feedback for each small step, nor does it allow learners to control their pace to the same degree. Therefore, it does not match the features mentioned.

Option B:
Option B, seminar method, emphasizes in-depth discussion and presentation by participants, often at higher education levels. While it can promote active learning, it is not organized into small, programmed steps with built-in feedback for each response. Hence, it is not the method described in the question.

Option C:
Option C, drill method, focuses on repetitive practice of specific items to build speed and accuracy. Although it may involve many short tasks, it does not necessarily include carefully sequenced frames with immediate corrective feedback in a self-paced format. Consequently, it differs from programmed instruction.

Option D:
Option D, programmed instruction, was developed to operationalize behaviourist principles of reinforcement and control of learning conditions. Learners move through a programmed sequence of content, responding to prompts and receiving instant feedback on each answer. Because the stem mentions small steps, immediate feedback and self-paced progress, this option correctly completes the statement.