Programmed Learning is constructed of small segmented steps to reach the goal of learning. Typically, we use programmed sheets or a Teaching Machine that define the goal and contents of learning in advance. We have attempted to improve Programmed Learning so that it can be applied to the sort of learning taking place in unstable conditions, such as nursing practices, where learning goals and contents could easily change depending on situational factors. The purpose of this study is to propose a new learning system called Flexible Programmed Learning and to examine its effectiveness using protocol analysis. The results have confirmed that Flexible Programmed Instruction is effective under unstable conditions by accommodating learning goals and contents depending on the point to which learners direct their attention and the current learners' knowledge structures which are inferred from their conversational contents. However, the results have revealed cases where the learner's responses went beyond the limits of the knowledge structure assumed by the teacher. Such cases require a different treatment and will be left to further investigation.