AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.
This automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification program. ISA CAP certification provides a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of an automation professional's skills. The CAP exam is focused on direction, definition, design, development/application, deployment, documentation, and support of systems, software, and equipment used in control systems, manufacturing information systems, systems integration, and operational consulting. Click this link for more information about the CAP program.
a) promotes reading, which is the most preferred learning style of adult learners
b) provides interactivity through paper-and-pencil self-check questions and tests
c) allows participants to delve deeper in areas of particular interest
d) provides all participants with a common baseline of knowledge
e) none of the above
Answer A is incorrect, since the most preferred learning style for adult learners is interactive or hands-on learning. Answer B is important, but this same advantage can be said of classroom/lecture and online/computerized study methods.
Answer C is not an advantage particular to self-study workbook training, as all forms of training will spark interest in many areas, which should lead to further study.
The correct answer is D, provides all participants with a common baseline of knowledge. Self-study workbooks ensure that all students have been exposed to the same learning objectives and material, assuming successful completion of the self-study course requirements.
Reference: Nicholas Sands, P.E., CAP and Ian Verhappen, P.Eng., CAP., A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge. To read a brief Q&A with the authors, plus download a free 116-page excerpt from the book, click this link.
About the Editor
Joel Don is the community manager for ISA and is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.