Psychological bases of programmed instruction

This paper puts forward an argument for using a cybernetic approach to programmed instruction in order to make the control of the teaching process more efficient. It argues the need for a micro-approach to program construction which takes into account not only the correctness of response but also the psychological activity of the learner.The author presents a summary of Prof. P. Galperin's theory of “stage by stage” formation of mental actions as well as presenting a method for putting the theory into practice in the construction of teaching programs.Finally, there is a presentation of the methodology and results of various teaching programs in which control over the cognitive activity of the learner was carried out.