Effects of Three Pedagogies on Learning Outcomes in a Psychology of Gender Lecture

Abstract

This study employed a quasi-experimental design to test the effects of three pedagogies on learning outcomes in a simulated psychology of gender lecture. Results showed that meaning and relational pedagogies, as well as a combination of meaning, relational, and explanatory pedagogies, significantly improved participant learning beyond self-study and produced a significant improvement in retention as well. Interestingly, participants in the relational condition excelled on these learning outcomes even though the instructor covered very little reading material in that condition. Despite the benefits of these pedagogies, participants showed a clear preference for the lower performing explanatory instructional approach, which suggests that students may not readily recognize pedagogies that best contribute to effective learning and retention in classes like the psychology of gender.