Systems Approach To Training Manual Design Phase
Chapter 2 2-
44
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS
Lecture (Formal, Informal,
Briefing, Guest).
Formal lecture involves one-way
communication used for reaching
large audience in a classroom setting.
Informal lecture involves considerable
interaction between the instructor
and student in both the form
question and discussion.
Ideal for presenting many
ideas in a short time.
Suitable for introducing a
topic.
Convenient for instructing
large groups.
Supplementing material from
other sources.
Does not provide an avenue
for the instructor to estimate
student progress.
No active participation by
students.
Dependent on the
instructor’s speaking skills.
Not responsive to individual
needs of students.
(Informal lectures however,
accommodate these concerns)
Indirect Discourse (Panel
Discussion, Dialogue, Teaching
Interview).
Involves verbal interaction among
two or more persons, which is seen
and heard by students. Some
example include, dialogue, a teaching
interview, a panel discussion
(debate), skits, playettes, and other
dramatizations.
Can effectively be used for
extremely large groups.
Facilitates higher level
cognitive skills.
Class size is not an issue with
this method.
Does not permit students’
needs to be satisfied.
Instructors cannot gauge if
learning has transferred.
Requires a high level of
instructor expertise to be
effective.
Recommended method to
reach high levels of learning.
Evaluation is not inherent in
method.
Not responsive to individual
needs of students.
Demonstration.
This instructional method is used to
allow students to observe instructors
perform a sequence of events. It is
designed to teach a procedure,
technique, or operation.
Enables performance
standards to be demonstrated.
Provides immediate
feedback.
Method may be tailored
during instruction.
Responsive to individual
needs.
Extremely effective when
used in conjunction with lecture
or prior to practical application.
Evaluation is inherent in
method.
Instructors can tell if learning
has transferred.
Time consuming to develop
and requires a great deal of
preparation.
Requires a high level of
expertise.
Instructor must be able to
anticipate student error.
Best conducted in small
groups.
Success is dependent on
demonstrator skills.
Reading (Books, Reference
Publications, Web-based
Material, Manuals, Handouts).
The assignment to a student or
printed materials including books,
periodicals, microfilms, manuals and
regulations, and handouts.
Most effective and time
efficient means of presenting
material.
Students progress at own
pace.
Not responsive to individual
needs.
Dependent on availability of
resources.
Evaluation is not inherent in
method.
(Should be used as a
supplement with formal Marine
Corps curricula. In cases of
entry-level should be used
sparingly.)