INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE AND ITS COMPONENTS

By Soledad Mina Roguel

Overview

This lesson discusses what an instructional module is all about, its parts, and the different formats used
in writing it. Also included are pointers in writing instructional objectives and some tips for effective writing.

Modules allow the learners to go through the material at their own pace. They may be used for self-
instruction or to complement instruction. Knowing how to write learning material in module format is an
important skill that trainers should develop.

Objectives

At the end of this presentation, you are expected to:

What is a module?
Russel (1974) defines module as an instructional package dealing with a single conceptual unit of
subject-matter. Modules are designed to help the students accomplish certain well-defined objectives. With the
use of a module, instruction can be individualized. The learners can go through the material at their own pace
and at their own time. They may also be used to complement instruction.

What are the components of a module?

The format and style of a module may differ depending on its purpose and the institution where it is
developed. See Table 1 for a comparison of different module formats. As agreed upon in one of the meetings of
the Technology Promotion Program, for the training manual that will be produced at PhilRice, the components
of each module should be title, overview, objectives, discussion of content, self-check test and evaluation
activities, and references. A brief description of each part follows:

Title. It showss the specific topic of the module. A good title should be clear, concise, and reflective of
its content.

Overview. It serves us the introduction of the module and describes jts scope and rationale. The
overview summarizes the content and importance of the module. In some modules, this section is called
introduction, prospectus, or rationale.

Table 1. Comparison of Module Formats

CLSU-ILO
Duldulao (2000) IRRI PCARRD (1997)
(2000)
Title Title Title Title -
About the Module Prospectus Rationale Scope
Description and
Topic Opener Rationale Overview
Scope
 Objectives & Topics Objectives Objectives Objectives
Suggested Discussion of Discussion of
Strategies
Methodology Topics Topics
Materials/visuals Resources Self-check Test &
Evaluation
References Requirement
Activities
Evaluation Topics Reference

Objectives. A common feature of most modules is a statement oflearning objectives. They explain the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes you warlt to teach. They should be stated in terms of the learners' behaviors.
Objectives a11o\" you to focus and organize the information you would like to present. They also help the
learners do self -evaluation.

Verbs such as "know" and "understand" are vague and do not tell us what the learners will be doing to
demonstrate their understanding. See Table 2 for a list of specific verbs that may be used in stating your
instructional objectives. Remember the acronym SMART when writing your objectives.

S - pecific
M - easurable
A ttainable
R - ealistic
T - ime bound

Discussion. In IRRI and Duldulao's models, objectives and topics are presented together. The suggested
format is to present all the objectives at the beginning and the presentation of content follows based on the
stated objectives.

What information should be included in a training module? Minnick (1989) classified materials that
may be included in any instructional material as:

1. need to know
2. nice to know
3. less nice to know
4. barely relevant
5. might be used someday
For purposes of training, the materials should be limited to the "need to know" information that are
vital and important. Furthermore, organize your content for clarity. As Reddout (1987) noted, the structure is
almost as important as the content. Organize your material from simple to complex. Include pictures, diagrams,
and other illustrations that may help clarify the information presented including exercises and hands-on
activities that the learners should engage in. Emphasize the scientific principles and the "why" in the topics
being presented.

Evaluation. A self-check test, exercise, or other means of assessing learning outcomes are common
features of a module. Follow-up activity or topics for discussion to reinforce learning may also be included.

References. This a list of books or guides used in preparing the module or other materials that may be
consulted for further understanding or appreciation of the lesson presented.

Style
Another consideration is the style that you should use. Should it be formal, informal, or
conversational? Decide on the treatment you wish to adapt for your module. Regardless of the style used, what
is important is clarity arid simplicity.

Tips for Effective Writing

Van Daele (1995) gives a number of suggestions on writing training manuals that are easy to read.
They are as follows:
Write for your audience
Organize your material
Rewrite, revise, and edit your material
Use charts and illustrations to support your message Identify your subject
Use clear, short, familiar words
Eliminate unnecessary words
Keep sentences short and simple
Use the active voice
Use the imperative mood
Use notes'
Use emphasis
Use ordering techniques.
Use point form
Avoid using only male pronouns.

Summary

Instructional modules are learning materials designed primarily for independent or self-study. They may
also be used to complement instruction. The recommended components of the module for PhilRice training
manuals are title, overview, objectives, discussion of topics, self-check test and evaluation activities and
references. What is important to remember is to write your objectives in behavioral terms, focus on the need-to-
know kind of information, and to write clearly and simply.