Dictionary meaning of procedure is a particular course of action or way of doing something, or an established way of a proceeding in any action or conduct, or a specific set of instructions or steps that must be followed in a precise order to complete a task or achieve a specific result.
Procedures can be classified into two broad categories – Linear or Branched.
- Linear procedures consist of a single stream of steps.
- Branched procedures consist of two or more alternative linear procedures that are selected by making a decision at a certain point.
When teaching procedures remember to teach how to do things and NOT how things work (Process). Remember process has general steps or phases while procedure has discrete specific steps followed in that sequence.
A learner must memorize the sequence of the steps and also practice performing the steps.
Recall the learning theories we looked into that emphasized on the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior – Behaviorism. This theory suggests that learning occurs through the repetition of experiences and the association of stimuli with particular responses. Combine it with Constructivism. This theory suggests that learners construct their own understanding through their interactions with the environment and their prior knowledge.
As an ID, to enable learning of procedures use flow charts for linear procedures and for branched procedures action or decision tables . A flowchart visually illustrates the steps and may differentiate actions from decisions. An action table consists of two columns; the first column lists the action to take and the second column describes
the expected result. A decision table expands an action table by allowing for alternate actions or results (If…then… else…action description).
As an ID, use a simulation in replicating “the real world” where the appropriate procedure must be selected and used using real data. Implement the reinforcement three-part strategy (Show Me, Try me, Test Me).
A process can be a part of a procedure, or a procedure can be a part of a process depending on the context.
Here is an example to illustrate how a process can be a part of a procedure:
- The process of preparing and serving a meal at a restaurant might involve a variety of tasks, such as ordering ingredients, preparing the food, and serving the customers.
- The procedure for serving a meal at a specific table in the restaurant might be a specific set of steps that are part of the larger process of preparing and serving the meal. This procedure might involve steps such as greeting the customers, taking their orders, bringing out their food, and checking on them throughout the meal.
To summarize: The process of preparing and serving a meal is a broad and open-ended activity that involves many different tasks and decisions. The procedure for serving a specific table is a more specific and structured set of steps that is part of the larger process.
Here is an example to illustrate how a procedure is part of a larger process:
- The process of assembling a piece of furniture might involve a variety of tasks, such as gathering the necessary tools and materials, reading the instructions, and following the steps to put the furniture together.
- The procedure for attaching a specific piece of the furniture, such as a leg or a shelf, might be a specific set of steps that are part of the larger process of assembling the furniture. This procedure might involve steps such as aligning the parts, securing them with screws or bolts, and testing for stability.
To summarize: The procedure for attaching a specific piece of the furniture is a more specific and structured set of steps that is part of the larger process of assembling the furniture.
(example courtesy ChatGPT)