A Study of Comparative Validity as Shown by a Group of Objective Tests

Abstract

The technique described was used as a trial method to achieve increased efficiency in teaching and to insure the highest possible performance of the class and especially among the below-average members. Programmed instruction material was modified as to style and used as a lecture preview. Freshmen medical students were divided into control and experimental groups with only the latter having access to programmed lecture preview material.

Expectations were supported in that the below-average student in the experimental group improved his performance and in this study the above-average student also showed significant improvement.

This teaching technique appears valuable and warrants further experimental use as an ancillary technique for teaching in professional schools.     

Cooperative Learning: A Motivational Tool to Enhance Student Persistence,Self‐Regulation,and Efforts to Please Teachers and Parents

ABSTRACT

The effects of cooperative group learning on students’ persistence, self‐regulation, and efforts to please teachers and parents were examined. Eighty‐one high school geometry students were randomly assigned to either a cooperative learning or traditional lecture group. Twenty‐seven students received cooperative group instruction for nine weeks and then received traditional classroom instruction for nine weeks. Twenty‐five students received traditional instruction for nine weeks and then received cooperative group instruction for nine weeks. Twenty nine students received traditional classroom instruction for 18 weeks. Participants completed pre, post, and post‐posttest motivation questionnaires at each phase of the project. Students in the cooperative group classrooms exhibited significantly greater gains in persistence, self‐regulation, and efforts to please their parents and teacher. The implications of these findings for motivation theory and cooperative group structures are discussed.     

What We are Failing to Measure in Education

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of computer-based handwriting exercises (Lally &; Macleod, 1982) with traditional instruction in the remediation of handwriting difficulties. Thirty-six students in Grades 4 to 6 with poor handwriting received one of three different instructional methods. In Method 1, students performed computer-based handwriting exercises using the Apple Graphics Tablet, an electronic pen, and the computer monitor to track visible and invisible letters. In Method 2, conventional instruction was provided using pencil, paper, plastic overlays, and felt pens to copy and trace letter forms. In Method 3, conventional instruction using tracing and copying was provided through the computer using the Touch Window and a stylus pen. Several measures were used to assess improvement in performance. The results indicated that the traditional group using pen and paper demonstrated significant improvements from pretest to posttest on five measures, and the computer groups on two measures. The findings suggest that traditional instruction using pen and paper is the more effective treatment method.     

The Effects on Retention of Programed Classroom Reviews

Abstract

A group of 150 high-school students were taught introductory vector geometry by either programmed instruction or conventional teacher-directed methods. A measure of anxiety was taken for all subjects; also pretest and posttest measures of competence in vector geometry. Otis-Gamma scores were used to index intelligence. A significant negative correlation was observed between the total group anxiety level and Otis-Gamma scores. The correlations of the individual mode of instruction groups to Otis-Gamma scores were not significantly different from each other. Analysis of Covariance indicated no significant relationship between mode of instruction and learning; level of anxiety and learning; and learning and interaction of anxiety and mode of instruction. Trends were observed that indicate that more experimentation with larger populations and longer periods of instruction by programmed learning devices might prove fruitful.     

A Comparison of Audio-Tutorial Lecture Methods of Teaching

Abstract

The study to determine if concepts of school law could be effectively taught, using simulated materials presented audio-tutorially, to preservice teachers. A senior class of 219 students at Iowa State University was randomly divided into two groups. One group was taught school law concepts utilizing the traditional lecture method of instruction, the other was subjected to the A-T style of instruction. A pretest and posttest was administered to each group and the growth of each group over time was determined. The experimental (A-T) group showed a significantly greater (.01 level of confidence) increase in achievement than did the traditional group. Three factors and their interactions were considered in the experiment: achievement level of the student; possible student teaching experience, and group assignment. The only significant factor was group assignment, indicating that teaching technique was responsible for the difference in the learning rate of the two groups.     

Studies in Social Perception: Objectivity

Abstract

A total of 107 high-school bookkeeping students were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The groups were evenly matched in terms of I.Q. and pre-test scores. The students in the control group were taught in the traditional manner using conventional instructional materials. The students in the experimental group were taught by means of programmed instructional materials. Both groups were then given three identical posttests. The scores of the experimental group were significantly greater on all three tests at the > .025, > .001, and > .001 levels. The experimental group also experienced a reduction in learning time of 43 percent. The study indicates that the use of programmed materials can individualize instruction in the classroom and can also be used effectively as homework.     

THE EFFECTS OF INSTRUCTION FOR THREE MATHEMATICS ITEM FORMATS1

Different instructional programs were developed for three mathematics aptitude item formats to determine the relative susceptibility of each to special instruction. Subjects were male and female high school junior volunteers in 12 schools. In the seven weeks between a pre- and posttest, experimental Ss received 21 hours of instruction for one of the three formats; control Ss received no special instrucion. Each of the three formats was found susceptible to instruction directed toward it. The complex formats were most susceptible. Female Ss were slightly less able mathematically at the outset and benefited less from instruction than males. Mean gains of nearly a full standard deviation for groups instructed for the complex formats were considered to be of practical consequence.     

The Effects of Formative Evaluation and Remediation on Mastery of Intellectual Skills

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test Gagne’s hypothesis that attention to prerequisites should be more effective than repeated practice of a final task when learning intellectual skills. Ninety eighth-grade general science students studied self-instructional materials on the construction and interpretation of graphs. After each of three lessons each subject took a diagnostic test covering the objectives of the instruction. Subjects in Group 1 received additional instruction on prerequisites as remediation. Subjects in Group 2 received additional practice items as remediation, and subjects in Group 3 received no remedial activity. Students receiving remedial instruction did significantly better than those receiving only main-line instruction. Students receiving additional instruction on prerequisites did significantly better than those receiving additional practice items as remediation.     

Professor Terman’s Determinism: A Rejoinder

ABSTRACT

The authors investigated whether the amount of instructional guidance affects science learning and self-efficacy. Sixty 9- and 10-year-old children were randomly assigned to one of the following three instructional conditions: (a) guided instruction consisting of examples and student-generated explanations, (b) direct instruction consisting of a lecture and examples, and (c) minimal instruction consisting of student directed discovery. Children who received guided instruction designed a greater percentage of experiments correctly and self-reported greater changes in science self-efficacy than children in the other conditions. No statistically significant differences were observed between direct and guided instruction on outcome measures of cued recall, application and evaluation. However, both conditions performed statistically higher on these outcome measures relative to the minimal instruction condition.     

Educational Measurements and Evaluation

Abstract

The problem with which this research is concerned is that of determining the effectiveness of television instruction as compared to conventional instruction. Data was secured by organizing control and experimental groups in Finite Math and General Botany. The control groups received their instruction via conventional means. The experimental groups received their instruction via live or closed circuit television.

The next step was to secure student and instructor opinions concerning television instruction. The achievement of the groups was tested using the “null hypothesis.” The .05 level was used to accept or reject each research hypothesis. This research indicated that there was no significant difference between the methods used in Finite Math. Although slight, there was a significant difference in General Botany.     

Interactions between Instructional Methods and Styles of Concept Learning

Abstract

Statistical interactions between Conceptual Levels Test (CLT) scores and deductive vs. inductive teaching methods were examined among 275 sixth grade pupils. The purposes of the study were to determine whether the two methods are most effective among different students, and whether CLT scores predict which students should receive each kind of instruction. Subjects were randomly assigned to deductive and inductive groups for instruction in critical thinking. Repeated measures of achievements and attitudes provided four sets of criterion scores. The regression of criterion scores on CLT scores yielded one significant disordinal interaction and four confidence intervals within which deductive teaching was significantly more effective than inductive instruction. Regions in which inductive teaching was significantly superior were not observed. While deductive instruction was advantageous for some learners, neither high, medium nor low CLT scorers benefited consistently from inductive teaching.     

Teaching Grammar and Mechanics in Freshman Composition

Abstract

A study was conducted using a combination of radio lectures and small group discussion meetings to teach an introductory psychology course to resident freshmen. There were two radio lectures each week, broadcast at 3:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and again at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; these were supplemented by small group meetings on Fridays, during which films were sometimes presented, and during which there was an opportunity for questions to be raised and points in the lecture to be clarified. About one-third of the 2,300 freshmen were taught by means of this radio procedure and about two-thirds were taught by the usual lecture method; the results of the two methods were then compared. Variables such as personality of instructors, type of test, test questions, and time allowed for testing were controlled. Also, all radio students were assured that their grades would not be penalized in any way as a result of this experimental procedure. Results indicated that, in terms of scores on objective tests in the course, there were no significant differences between the radio group and the regular lecture group. However the attitudes of the students toward these two types of instruction were quite different. Those who took the course by means of the radio procedure were generally rather negative in their attitudes toward this method of instruction.     

Use of Student Notes and Lecture Summaries as Study Guides for Recall

Abstract

This study represents an extension of previous research on interfering and facilitating variables affecting the encoding function of note taking by adding several review conditions. Ninety-six subjects were assigned to five note-taking and three non-note-taking groups. Subjects heard a 16-minute segmented lecture and recalled lecture content 48 hours later. The review of notes neutralized both the interfering and facilitating effects on recall of note-taking manipulations reported in previous research. Review of student-generated notes resulted in better recall than did review of lecturer-generated summaries.     

Qualitative and quantitative differences in learning associated with multiple-choice testing

This study assesses some effects of the Computer-Assisted Self-Evaluation (CASE) system of frequent multiple-choice testing with immediate computer feedback; it is part of a larger project aiming to combine the principal strengths of individualized instruction with lecture teaching (Fisher, 1979). Learning and retention are examined in two equivalent groups of undergraduates enrolled in an upper division science course. One group (N =34) received 24 CASE quizzes with immediate feedback and the other (N=30) received two CASE-generated midterms with delayed feedback. Quiz students significantly outperformed Midterm students on the posttest; the Quiz section scored nine percentage points higher on rote items and fourteen points higher on meaningful items. Quiz students also had more positive attitudes toward and were more involved in the course. On a retention test given two years later, the Quiz Group scored eight percentage points higher than the Midterm Group on meaningful items. This study suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, multiple-choice questions promote meaningful learning at least as well as, and possibly better than, rote learning. The CASE system appears to be about as effective as other forms of frequent testing and immediate feedback in enhancing learning, and it provides a simple, cost-effective means of individualized testing in large lecture classes.     

Integrating Technology and a Standards-Based Pedagogy in a Geometry Classroom

Abstract

A mature mathematics teacher (one in the latter stages of a successful career in teaching secondary mathematics) sought support in making a paradigm shift to a technology-integrated pedagogy in the context of a state's emerging standards-based curriculum. The teacher had concerns regarding his ability to make the paradigm shift, but he was willing to make the effort because he believed that integrating technology as an instruction/production tool would increase student achievement in mathematics. This article describes the teacher's experience. Students in two of his three high school geometry classes were introduced to altered teaching methods involving technology. The first class created instructional modules using presentation and Web page software, and a second class used student-created instructional modules. A third geometry class received traditional instruction based on text and lecture. Two topics, angles and circles, were taught using this format. Another topic, lines, was taught traditionally to all three classes. Interestingly, students across the three groups had numerically higher end-of-unit test scores for both lines and circles, much more acceptable to the teacher, than for angles. Recommendations are in order in regard to teacher support for technology integration.     

Student Orientations to Independent Learning

Sixty‐six students completed two questionnaires to describe their approaches to study and the relationship to their personal preference for either the conventional lecture (CL) or self‐learning package (SLP) as methods of instruction. The students were randomly assigned to either an SLP and a CL group and received instruction on the same topic. Then, six weeks after the lecture all students were given a 30‐minute test to examine their level of understanding. Ten students, chosen at random, were interviewed further to assess their attitude towards learning. The inference drawn from the results is that more students preferred CL to SLP, however there was no correlation between students’ study approach and their preference for different teaching methods, nor did the study demonstrate that either method of instruction was superior when measured by test performance, suggesting a need to review independent study packages to better match student needs. Interview analysis showed that the students were highly dependent on reassurance from their lecturers, emphasising the negotiated nature of learning.     

Conceptual Development and Information-Processing: A Study of Teachers

Abstract

This study examined the effects of three self-instructional approaches of teaching diagnostic problem-solving (troubleshooting). Two of the approaches attempted to simulate student-equipment interaction via programmed and text instruction while a third approach utilized actual equipment. After forty-five community college students received an orientation to equipment operation, fifteen were randomly assigned to each of the three treatments. Criterion variables included troubleshooting knowledge, troubleshooting performance, and attitude toward instruction received. Results indicated that the equipment approach was superior to non-equipment simulation approaches in terms of troubleshooting performance outcomes. Correlational analyses of criterion variables provided some evidence that relationships between attitude and behavior were dependent upon the instructional approach used.     

Teaching Nonverbal Communication

Abstract

Lectures remain the primary method of instruction in higher education despite several limitations: Students typically lose interest during hour-long lectures, lectures lead to rote learning by some students, and lectures do not lead to development of higher-level conceptual thinking skills. As an alternative to a lecture on the topic, an active learning exercise was developed to teach students about nonverbal communication. The exercise was used with several classes, and students reported it was motivating, educational, and thought-provoking. Advantages of implementing active learning exercises in lecture courses are discussed.     

Social Behavioral Aspects of Teaching Reading to Kindergartners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial effects of reading instruction upon a class of kindergartners. Pre-testing established the substantial equivalence of this group to two control groups in intelligence, reading readiness, personal-social adjustment, and socioeconomic status. The experimental group received regular instruction in reading from an experienced first grade teacher during the second trimester and one half (January to June) of the 1963-64 school year. Post-test data indicated that boys displayed less acceptable classroom behavior as a by-product of such instruction. Parents were favorable to the instruction, but the teachers involved were less so. The teachers maintained that the children, although interested, had to “work too hard” to master the task of reading.     

Stability of Student Teacher Behaviors and Their Relationship to Personality and Creativity Factors

Abstract

An investigation was made of serial position effects in lecture material, A tape recorded lecture was prepared in two forms. Two groups of tenth-grade students (total N = 269) each heard one of the forms and completed a test over the material heard. Item scores were computed and serial position curves drawn for groups, ability levels within groups, and sexes within groups. These curves indicate that the serial position effect was present. No sex differences were observed. It is concluded that the serial position effect should be taken into account in classroom practice and that more research is needed to determine how to control and use it.