Individualized and group approaches to training

This chapter summarizes a wide range of past and current research concerning individualized and group approaches to training. The structure of this chapter is as follows. After defining our main terms, the major sections in this chapter focus on: (a) Adaptive instruction (i.e., mastery learning, aptitude-treatment interactions, and intelligent tutoring systems), (b) individualized training (i.e., individual differences, and comparisons between human and computer approaches to individualized tutoring/training), (c) group training (i.e., large groups, small groups, specific approaches, group dynamics, and group learning from computers), (d) decision making (i.e., what criteria should be considered when deciding how to teach some material for a particular learner or group of learners), and (e) conclusions and guidelines. We’ve tried to make this chapter as broad as possible, but for those with specific interests, we’ve included relevant references for additional reading throughout. The intent of this chapter is to provide helpful guidelines to trainers, educators, research psychologists, and others interested in enhancing students ’ and trainees ’ learning outcomes and efficiencies