Personalized System of Instruction Versus the Lecture-Demonstration. Method in a Specific Area of a College Music Appreciation Course

Abstract

This study sought to determine (a) whether a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) would have a different effect on student achievement than would the lecture-demonstration method, (b) how the experimental students would evaluate the PSI method as a mode of instruction, and (c) how PSI would affect music opinion. Results of the main study indicated that both methods of instruction produced statistically significant changes in achievement and in listening opinions, and that no significant differences occurred between the two methods. The experimental students gave a rating of slightly “above average” to the PSI method of instruction as a mode of instruction. It was concluded that PSI could be used as an effective teaching method in music appreciation courses.