A learning programme in geography

Abstract

A learning programme, on the topic of glaciation, is written for pupils of above average intelligence for use in the school situation. The learning programme is linear in style with overt response. It consists of 144 frames divided into five sections. Pupils work at their own pace within the lesson period. First year pupils, in a senior (13 + - 18 +) high school assisted in programme development. Four revisions were found to be necessary before the learning programme was considered to be satisfactory (gain ratio of 1.2). revisions were based on the pupils post-test performance and the frame response error rate. The final version of the programme produced a gain ratio of 1.38. overall frame response errors were 6.8% and key response errors 6.92%. The map interpretation section of the programme did not reach an acceptable level of sucess. The pupils concerned may have lacked the necessary basic map reading skills. The gain ratio for the whole programme after a period of one month is 0.87. Programme evaluation followed with a teaching methods experiment. The learning which resulted from the use of three different teaching methods was analysed. The teaching methods employed ere (1) learning programme only; (2) learning programme plus discussion; and (3) normal method. A comparison of the results obtained from the three groups for (i) post-test gains; (ii) retention gains (5 weeks later); (iii) G. C. E. theory and (iv) G. C. E. map interpretation (9 weeks later) all yielded results of no significant difference. The learning programme was as effective as the other teaching methods and required less time. It is suggested that the type of O.S map interpretation used in the learning programme may be too difficult for pupils in the 13+ - l4+ age group.