Advantages to Student

Course is self-paced; important in emergencies such as illness.

Can start and finish course any day, regardless of schedules.

Closer contact with teacher than in conventional lecture format.

Learns subject better and can get high grades if desired.

Forces use of objectives by teachers so student know what he is supposed to learn

Learns to study; learns how to learn.

Forces initiative on student. Develops self-discipline - real-life situation.

Course is student-centered rather than teacher-centered

More help and guidance from peers who you get to know by working together and by monitor system.

Mastery learning - cannot skip important topics.

Lends itself to student structuring of course or of some units.

More contact with teacher and aides, especially in large classes.

Disadvantages to Student

Temptation to procrastinate; need for self-discipline.

More work; student has to think more than in conventional format.

Advantages to Teachers

More teacher-student or aide-student contact, especially in large classes.

Students learn better.

Can take individual differences into account; students learn at different rates and in different styles.

Forces initiative on student.

Course is not teacher-centered.

More peer helping among students which is often more effective than teacher help.

Mastery learning; student cannot skip important topics and still get by.

More fun and challenge.

Accommodates student structuring of course or of some units.

Maintain high standards for courses; teach for mastery; avoid curving of grades.

Disadvantages to Teachers

More work - close student contact, preparation of materials, and record-keeping.

Teachers have to learn to manage personalized learning.

Advantages to Administration

More efficient use of facilities, especially open labs.

More use of instructional assistants and student help; therefore probably cheaper.

Students can progress even if teacher is sick or absent for other reason; substitute teachers are generally not effective.

Students can start and finish courses any day of year thus avoiding excessive administrative work at beginning and end of each term.

Gives teachers experience with innovation.

Fewer courses would be cancelled due to lack of sufficient enrollment. Classes of one or two students can be run.

Disadvantages to Administration

Disruption of traditional practices.

Must hire teachers who can manage. Hence, recruiting is not as easy.