Self-Paced and Conventional Instruction in Navy Training: A Comparison on Elements of Quality

摘要

This study examined a sample of 37 Navy and Marine Corps courses purporting some degree of individualization in instructional method. Courses were assigned to three categories for analysis: conventional, mixed, and self-paced instruction. Data were collected from site visits, samples of instructional materials, and questionnaires administered to students, instructors, and supervisors. Contrasts among categories were made on six measures of instructional quality: prerequisites, cues, participation, reinforcement, feedback, and correctives. The three categories of courses differed significantly on each of the measures. Although perceptions of questionnaire respondents were generally favorable concerning their courses, it was concluded that ideal individualized instruction rarely occurs in the NAVEDTRACOM. While conventional courses were often found to be higher in measures of quality instruction, their costs were also higher. Recommendations for changing existing training directives are made.