Compares the effect of a chemistry computer simulation, written by the author, with the effect of an instructor demonstration. The study indicates that in this particular situation the operation of a spectrophotometer can be effectively taught by computer simulation method. The program is written using HyperTalk, the HyperCard programming…

Reports survey results of 126 students enrolled in first- or second-year biology courses concerning the effectiveness of different teaching methods within the lecture format. Indicates that the traditional, didactic lecture, although perceived as least effective, was regarded as highly effective when enhanced by active student involvement.…

Discusses conventional education, the state of distance education, and delivery modes for instruction at a distance. Results of a survey at the Open University of Hong Kong are presented, indicating that students preferred lecture-cum-tutorial support in a face-to-face manner over tutorial-only delivery. (AEF)

Despite the long-standing interest in strategy use and language learning, little attention has been given to how social context may constrain or facilitate this use or the development of new strategies. Drawing on data from a longitudinal qualitative study, we discuss this issue in relation to the experiences of Chinese students from the People's…

Worldwide, electronic learning (E-learning) has become an important part of the education agenda in the last decade. The Suan Dusit Rajabhat University (SDRU), Thailand has made significant efforts recently to use Internet technologies to enhance learning opportunities. The results reported here are part of a pioneering study to determine the…

This paper describes the development and evaluation of a blended learning resource in the biosciences, created by combining online learning with formal face-face lectures and supported by formative assessments. In order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching large classes with mixed student cohorts, teaching was delivered through…

This discussion of teaching methods in higher education in Great Britain focuses on lectures as the dominant method and explores ways to change to more student-centered methods of instruction. A study is described that used interviews and questionnaires to determine teacher and student views on lecture versus discussion formats. (LRW)

Results of a previous study indicated no difference in preservice teacher attitude/achievement using lecture/inquiry approaches. This study was replicated, also examining effects of sex and students' (N=471) previous science training. Although results for science understanding were not significant, analysis of attitude change indicates that…

The public science lecture, popular from the 1750s until the 1850s when a social revolution produced a class bound society, has played an important part in the genesis of modern scientific British education. Reasons include factors such as motivation and teaching methods which made audiences very receptive. (RM)

Previous "educational seduction" research suggested that teacher differences in expressiveness controlled the degree to which lecture content affected student ratings differently from student achievement. We attempted to replicate this Expressiveness x Content x Measures interaction in four simulated college classes. Student incentive…

Describes a project developed by the Open Education Faculty (OEF) at Anadolu University in Turkey that uses video instruction to supplement distance education programs. Programs that currently include television, printed materials, and lectures are described; the development of video education centers is explained; and future plans are discussed.…

Describes a microcomputer-based software package developed at the University of Surrey for teaching digital signal processing to undergraduate science and engineering students. Menu-driven software capabilities are explained, including demonstration of qualitative concepts and experimentation with quantitative data, and examples are given of…

Maintains that philosophical concepts in geography are widely regarded as an important element in geography degrees, yet students have problems understanding them. Describes how a large lecture course was modified to promote understanding by increasing interaction between lecturer and student. (CFR)

Explores the effects of speech modification, prior knowledge, and listening proficiency on listening comprehension. Results show significant interactions between speech modification and listening proficiency and between prior knowledge and test type. The authors discuss the implications for teaching and testing of listening comprehension,…

Compared the laboratory method versus lecture method for Nigerian grade eight students (n=210). High achievers in both groups had identical achievement, but the low achievers in the laboratory sections performed better than students receiving the lectures. Females receiving lectures performed better than the males receiving lectures. (PR)