Intelligence is a predominant factor in self-study programs. Intelligence spans from an IQ of about 5 to about 170. If you are a designer of a program, consider the intelligence level of your audience, and write the manuals accordingly. As an extreme example, you would not write a manual on how to repair the Space Shuttle for a group of kindergartners the same way as you would for a group of NASA engineers. If you are a participant, consider your own intelligence level. Study at your own pace, and don't move on to the next module or phase until you completely understand the current learning exercise.
All humans interpret information differently. For example, commonly seen on aerosol cans is the admonition to "shake well before using." Does this mean shake the can well, or does it mean the person shakes well before using the aerosol? University of Virginia researchers state that reading interpretation is based upon the reader's prior experiences and even cultural backgrounds. If you are a program designer, subjective terminology that can be open to interpretation must be eliminated. If you are participating in a self study program and come across an ambiguous step or statement, contact the author of the program, and ask him to clarify.
An individual's motivation is a human factor that must be taken into account. If an individual likes the subject, training will occur at a quicker pace than if the individual is forced to do the training. This is particularly true for work environments, where an individual has to learn in order to get ahead, or even keep his job.
For maintenance resource management, Emby-Riddle University experts identify the SHELL Model. SHELL stands for Software, Hardware, Liveware (individual), Liveware (team). This is a model that explains how people interact with tools, computer programs, individual performance and teamwork performance. In self-study training, all four factors must be considered. Knowing that individuals learn by different methods, it is up to you to find out what the best method of study is.when self-training. You must also understand you are part of the SHELL word, being both an individual and in a team, whether at work or in society in general.