This review describes a meta-analysis of findings from 50 controlled evaluations of intelligent computer tutoring systems. The median effect of intelligent tutoring in the 50 evaluations was to raise test scores 0.66 standard deviations over conventional levels, or from the 50th to the 75th percentile. However, the amount of improvement found in…

The early and recent history of meta-analysis is outlined. After providing a definition of meta-analysis and listing its major characteristics, developments in statistics and research are described that influenced the formulation of modern meta-analytic methods. Major meta-analytic methods currently in use are described. Statistical and other…

Fifty-three research studies on feedback timing and verbal learning underwent meta-analysis. Applied studies using actual classroom quizzes and real learning materials found immediate rather than delayed feedback to be more effective; experimental studies of acquisition of test content indicate the opposite. Laboratory studies of list learning…

Meta analyses were conducted of computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, and computer enriched instruction. Positive effects were usually reported, with variations according to instructional type and age level. Results also indicated that effects varied according to the evaluation design and the type of publication in which the…

A meta-analysis of findings from 31 separate studies showed that ability grouping has significant positive effects on the academic performance of elementary school children. The benefits of grouping tended to be small in the typical study of achievement --an increase from the 50th to the 58th percentile for the typical student in a grouped class.…

This synthesis of findings from 40 studies showed that students can raise their test scores by taking practice tests. The size of the gains were a function of three factors: identical vs. parallel forms of the test, number of practice tests, and ability level of the student. (Author/BW)

Results from a meta-analysis of 26 controlled studies on the effects of accelerated instruction on elementary and secondary school students are presented. The examination performance of accelerates surpassed the performance of equivalent age and intelligence nonaccelerates and equalled the performance of same-grade but older, talented…

Statistical methodologists have sometimes criticized the use of conventional statistics in meta-analysis, and in recent years a number of them have advocated the use of a special new statistical methodology for research synthesis. An examination of recent books describing this methodology shows that it is seriously limited in its applicability to…

Although some aspects of the educational effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) are still unclear, some research findings are now quite definite. Two meta-analysis reviews of CAI have been completed at the University of Michigan, one on secondary school teaching and one on college teaching, and their findings have been independently…

The 101 computer-based education (CBE) studies considered for use in this meta-analysis came from three major sources: references in an earlier meta-analytic review of CBE at the college level (J. Kulik, et al., 1980); a computer search of the Comprehensive Dissertation Abstracts and ERIC databases; and utilization of the bibliographies contained…

Presents a meta analysis which examines results of 254 controlled evaluation studies that compared student learning in classes taught with and without computer-based instruction (CBI). Outcome measures are described, statistical analysis and effect size are discussed, and results are reported that show that CBI usually produces positive effects on…

This meta analysis of 101 studies of computer-based education in colleges highlights examination performance, student attitudes toward instruction and computers, the relationship of publication source to study outcome, and time needed for instruction. One hundred twenty-one references are listed. (Author/LRW)

This meta-analysis of 49 comparative studies shows that mastery testing has positive effects on student learning, but the size of effect depends on the stringency of the criterion used and the degree of experimental control. The effects of instructional time, student attitudes, and differences in ability levels are also addressed. (Author/LRW)

This metaanalysis of 32 comparative studies shows that computer-based education has generally had positive effects on the achievement of elementary school pupils. However, these effects are different for off-line computer managed instruction and interactive computer assisted instruction (CAI); interactive CAI produces greater increases in student…