Programmed learning to replace lectures

Description

A three-year long investigation in to the use of programmed learning in place of lectures in a second year animal physiology module at the University of Keele. The project originated from the observation that student recall of lecture material was poor in revision tutorials. In an attempt to encourage more active learning some lectures were replaced with prescribed reading. This was followed up by a weekly formative objective test and a summative test on the same material after a further week. A comparison of exam results under this new system and the conventional teaching method were compared.

The method has been shown to stimulate more time spent reading the prescribed text than simply recommending it as a supplement to lectures. This reading and repeated study and work on the objective tests themselves is believed to be the basis for improved student knowledge and understanding. The module chosen for this study is one with a large body of factual information to assimilate: the method might not be so appropriate for modules of different types.

Outcomes and downloads

• Chevins, PFD. (2004) Lectures Replaced by Prescribed Reading with Frequent Assessment: Enhanced Student Performance in Animal Physiology. Bioscience Education E-journal, volume 5 available at http://www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/journal/vol5/beej-5-1.htm

Links

• Related presentation from the Bioscience Representatives Forum on 9th September 2003