AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO BUS OPERATOR TRAINING

The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), introduced in the 1960s by the military to teach large amounts of material in short periods of time, has consistently resulted in higher levels of student learning, retention and satisfaction. Five features characterize this system of teaching: Self pacing; a mastery requirement; use of lectures for motivation rather than as a source of critical information; stress on written work; and use of proctors for testing, scoring and tutoring. This technique was introduced for instruction of 38 bus driver applicants of a midwestern regional transit authority in 1978 and 1979. The first 13 trainees were put through the authority's traditional instruction program; the next 5 classes included 24 who were trained with PSI methods. Although essentially the same areas were covered by PSI, significant changes were made in classroom procedures. A new training manual served as the core of training; passing of tests was required before advancement to next phase of training. Increased learning in the classroom resulted in gains in employee performance. It is concluded that the application of PSI to transit training remains promising. PSI can more effectively train new drivers on the basic aspects of their job than traditional procedures. PSI actually represents an extension of the selection process that identifies trainees best qualified for the job.

• Record URL:
  • https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015021808616?urlappend=%3Bseq=429
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/7938948
• Corporate Authors:

  Eno Transportation Foundation

  1250 I Street, NW, Suite 750
  Washington, DC  United States  20005
• Authors:
  • Haynes, R S
  • Hopkins, B L
• Publication Date: 1983-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 419-429
• Serial:
  • Transportation Quarterly
  • Volume: 37
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Eno Transportation Foundation
  • ISSN: 0278-9434

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus drivers; Drivers; Human factors; Selection and appointment; Testing; Training
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver selection
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Education and Training; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00377817
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1983 12:00AM