Final Examination Grades of Independent Study Students Compared with Those of Students Taught by Traditional Methods

Abstract

Students taking college courses in the traditional fashion were paired with students of equal ability who took the same courses on an independent study program. Comparison of their performance on a common, objective, final examination was made in 6 courses having at least 15 pairs of matched-ability students. The findings revealed significant differences favoring the independent study group in 2 of the 6 courses, with the other courses indicating no significant differences between the groups.