Understanding student performance in Algebra I is important because this course serves as the gateway to advanced coursework in mathematics and science through the remainder of high school and into postsecondary education. In the current study, we analyzed secondary data to evaluate the relationship between selected indicators of mathematics and…

This paper reports on an evaluation of the Sterling Institute self-paced macroeconomics course at Northern Illinois University. Results show that a completely self-paced teaching format for macroeconomics is inferior to a well-directed, concept-oriented, graduate-student instructed, lecture-discussion taught course. (Author/RM)

This paper introduces and compares three types of college level teaching: discussion, lecture, and personalized systems. The discussion method is described and identified as one that allows the learner to question and probe, giving increased internalization, greater acceptance of conclusions than other teaching methods, and other benefits. The…

The extent of use of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), also called the Keller Plan, at a large university campus was investigated. Attention was also directed to the features of PSI used: mastery criterion, self-pacing, proctors, number of times students could retake an exam, and the number of forms of each examination used. The PSI…

The study sought to determine whether or not the performance of students varied significantly when taught by two criterion referenced individualized instruction approaches, the traditional lecture-discussion approach, and a modified lecture-discussion approach. It was limited to 66 vocational teacher education students in the Department of…

Combining lecture and small group discussion sessions, the course is divided into 5 units each centered about one major concept designed for arriving at some general understanding of a dimension of the total society. Grading is on a semi-contractual basis allowing the student unlimited opportunity to achieve the grade desired as well as desired…

The possible difference in the performance on a mid-term and final exam between students taking a quasi-individualized mastery method of instruction and students having traditional lecture-discussion instruction was studied. A second issue examined was the difference between the proportion of students expressing a preference for one method of…

Expectations of 432 college students regarding the following six teaching formats were studied: lecture, discussion, laboratory, personalized attention, computer-assisted instruction, and television instruction. Factor analysis procedures revealed three factors for each format: (1) evaluative had characteristics of preference and goodness and/or…

Addresses the problem of providing individualized attention in classes which, because of fiscal restraints, have 30 to 40 students. Presents five suggestions for the improved apportionment of the teacher's time through the use of learning lab materials and paraprofessional aides. Discusses the effectiveness of the lecture-reading-discussion…

Two methods of teaching drama as a literary form in an Introduction to Literature course were compared. Eighty-seven first-year students, 28 males and 59 females, were non-randomly assigned to four classes, two of which were taught in the traditional lecture-discussion manner while the remaining two utilized a method combining lecture-discussion…

The effects of an individualized mastery instructional system similar to the Keller plan was compared with a conventional lecture-discussion-recitation system in mathematics courses. In general, the superiority of achievement and attitude outcomes claimed for the Keller plan in many reports was not observed in this study. (Author/RL)

To compare the effectiveness of individualized and lecture-discussion methods with a non-instruction (Control) method in developing turfgrass competencies in 11th and 12th grade students as measured by achievement in a battery of tests, teachers from 29 Michigan schools were randomly placed in three groups and attended workshops where they were…

A course focusing on the avant-garde epoch and presenting an in-depth look at the arts of the period is described. Peer instruction, individualized instruction, experiential learning, and contracts were incorporated into a traditional lecture format. Student characteristics and attitudes were monitored. Course successes and problems are outlined.…

Presented are written explanations and critical evaluations of the major teaching practices now being used in undergraduate education. Discussed are both traditional approaches to teaching (lecturing, testing, leading discussions) and new approaches (using a personalized system of instruction, teaching with computers, developing learning…

The effects of student instructional preference on performance in an engineering course offered both by Personalized Instruction (PSI) and lecture/discussion methods were explored in a study of 113 university sophomores and juniors. In lieu of random assignment to instruction mode, this study employed self-selection, the most common situation in…