What Are the Frames in Programmed Instruction?

The frames in programmed instruction are the fundamental building blocks of a lesson, designed to guide a learner through material in small, sequential steps. There are four distinct types of frames: Introductory frames, Teaching frames, Practice frames, and Testing frames.

Programmed instruction, particularly in its linear programming format, structures learning in a highly controlled manner. Responses within this system are structured and are entirely controlled by the programmer, not by the learners. This method ensures that learners receive immediate confirmation of correct responses, providing crucial reinforcement. Conversely, wrong responses are typically ignored, preventing the reinforcement of errors and encouraging the learner to re-evaluate and correct their understanding.

Types of Frames in Programmed Instruction

Each frame type serves a specific pedagogical purpose, contributing to a systematic and self-paced learning experience.

• Introductory Frames
  These frames serve as the starting point of a lesson or a new topic. Their primary role is to introduce the subject matter, set the context, and prepare the learner for the information that follows. They might outline the learning objectives or provide a brief overview of what will be covered.

• Teaching Frames
  Teaching frames are the core of the instructional sequence. They present new information, concepts, principles, rules, or definitions to the learner. The content is broken down into small, manageable chunks to facilitate understanding and prevent cognitive overload. Each teaching frame aims to convey a specific piece of information.

• Practice Frames
  Following the presentation of new material, practice frames provide learners with opportunities to apply what they have just learned. These frames typically involve exercises, questions, or problems that require the learner to demonstrate their comprehension and application of the new concept. Immediate feedback on their responses is a critical component, allowing learners to solidify their understanding.

• Testing Frames
  Testing frames are designed to assess the learner's mastery of the material covered in a particular segment or the entire lesson. They evaluate whether the learning objectives have been met. These frames often appear at the end of a sequence or unit and may present questions similar to those in practice frames, but specifically for evaluative purposes.

Summary of Frame Types

To better understand the distinct roles of each frame type, consider the following table:

In linear programmed instruction, the learner progresses through these frames sequentially. The immediate feedback mechanism—confirming correct responses and ignoring incorrect ones—is central to its effectiveness, ensuring constant reinforcement and guiding the learner towards the correct understanding without dwelling on errors.