Modified Personalized System of Instruction vs Traditional Lecture Method of Instruction Using a Within Design at a Small Liberal Arts College

Abstract

Traditional lectures used in college might not challenge the brightest students and leave the weaker students behind. PSI (Personalized System of Instruction) is designed to adjust to each students’ needs so all students can master material. Numerous studies have supported that PSI may be more effective than traditional lectures (J. A. Kulik, C. C. Kulik, & Bangert-Downs, 1990). However, standard PSI does not fit a traditional academic calendar. A within subjects design was utilized to assess the effectiveness of a modified PSI designed to fit within a traditional academic calendar. Students in two introductory psychology courses were exposed to both a modified PSI and traditional lecture format. Academic performance and student satisfaction were assessed. Results indicate no significant differences in academic performance, course satisfaction, or motivation between PSI and lecture methods. Furthermore, the use of technological supplements available with PSI did not lead to more satisfaction with PSI. This study suggests that modifying PSI by adding time restraints might be detrimental to its increased effectiveness over traditional lecture. Although our study did not support PSI over traditional lecture overall, when students were forced to select a teaching method, 55.2% reported that they preferred PSI. Limitations and future directions are discussed.