THERE IS MORE TO TEACHING PROCEDURES than just listing a number of steps for someone to follow. Many critical issues are involved when using procedures to present instruction. For effective training to take place, the instruction being presented must follow certain guidelines so that the learner will not be confused.

This web page will cover various aspects of procedures such as, defining a procedure, distinguishing between two types of procedures, and providing two ways of presenting instruction using procedures. In addition, it will offer instructional techniques and attempt to explain the importance of each of these aspects.

A procedure is a series of clearly defined steps that result in achievement of a job task. Procedures are done more or less the same way each time and clearly specified in a step-by-step format (Clark, 1999).

Linear - Made up of clearly observable steps which are generally undertaken in the same sequence each time.
Decision - Also called branched procedures, are made up of two or more linear procedural sequences.
Examples

Linear Procedures 

These include primarily basic tasks that contain sequential steps. For example, how to make cookies or how to log on to your computer.
Decision Procedures

Symptom                    Question                                   Action

Unable to eject CD    Is software locking the tray?     * Use eject button
                                                                                 * Unmount or eject software first
                                                                                 * Use emergency eject hole
These include simple troubleshooting or any task that requires the learner to make a decision that will lead them to continue along sequence X or Y.

It is crucial that the content of each step remain simple and sequential with the steps that follow.
When teaching procedures it is important that you have a clear display of the steps that make up the procedure, with illustrations as appropriate.
It is also important that the learners receive a follow along demonstration. 
Two Ways of Presenting Instruction

Action Table

1. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter. 

2. Turn brownie batter into a lightly greased 9-inch square baking pan. Spread out in an even layer. 

Usually presented as a 3-column table that includes the step, action, and example.

Decision Table

Step 2: Are the READY, LINE SYNC and SYSTEM AVAILABLE lights ON?
If                    Action
NO               Check POWER SWITCH, set to ON 
                    Check that the station is plugged in.
                    Check that the outlet has power and switch is on.
YES             Go to Step 3

Also presented as a table with columns labeled If....(condition statement) and Then....(action statement).

Procedures are extremely helpful when teaching somewhat complicated steps to a novice. The key to designing procedures is to keep the content of the steps short and simple. Presenting too much information or too many steps at once can often confuse the learner and make really easy steps seem very ambiguous.

©David Comstock
MA Student -
San Diego State University