ABSTRACT:
Dr. Silvern explains the concept of the Instructional System, characteristics of training programs, principles of instruction, and presents a model of the system.
He describes how an Instructor can identify needs, perform basic analysis, produce the Job Analysis-Human Activity Analysis (JA-HAA), gather and record on the JA-HAA form, and apply levels of proficiency in this analysis phase.
Dr. Silvern devotes a chapter to planning the training program, describing parameters, considering and selecting methods of instruction, characteristics of the classroom lesson, laboratory lessons and demonstrations, and On-the-Job Training (OJT).
In his chapter, "Developing the Curriculum," he explains how the Instructor can develop a course outline, select a pattern from among various kinds of Gestalt and Semi-Gestalt patterns, develop the outline to the teaching point level, produce lesson plans, and develop and use manuals, handbooks, textbooks, study guides, text-workbooks and workbooks.
The section on testing includes: kinds and types of written test items, criteria for a good written test, pointers for designing written test items, scoring tests, concept of the performance test, criteria for a good performance test, troubleshooting performance tests, considerations in developing performance tests, oral questionning, and practical rules for oral questions. The chapter concludes with information on trying out courses, validating courses, and producing the Manager's Guide in large training programs.
In "Providing Human-Instruction," Dr. Silvern presents a model for identifying Instructors; recruiting, selecting, assigning, and training Instructors, conducting an Instructor Training Course, graduate university courses for Instructors and Training Directors, and Instructor rating during instruction.
Chapters are also devoted to the logistical support of instruction, conditions necessary for producing the Job Synthesis-Human Activity Synthesis (JS-HAS), and making media decisions.
POI is a practical, take-me-by-the-hand, here-is-how-to-do-it book. It is not written for graduates of teachers colleges or for those with considerable experience. While experienced individuals can learn a great deal of practical procedures, it is actually intended for the beginning Instructor. This Instructor will teach in a university extension program, or be a graduate assistant in a college offering. This Instructor will teach in a trade school, a community college, or a technical institute. This Instructor will teach in a business or industrial training program, in a government or military training program, or in an adult training program with an avocational emphasis.
