Motivation Through Individual Projects in Freshman Composition [microform] / Louise Noah Skellings.

In order to determine whether an alternative teaching strategy would improve student motivation in freshman composition, two sections of freshman composition were studied. The experimental group spent the majority of a term concentrating on individualized projects which were chosen, planned, carried...

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Online Access: Request ERIC Document
Main Author: Skellings, Louise Noah
Format: Microfilm Book
Language:English
Published: [Place of publication not identified] : Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse, 1976.
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Summary:In order to determine whether an alternative teaching strategy would improve student motivation in freshman composition, two sections of freshman composition were studied. The experimental group spent the majority of a term concentrating on individualized projects which were chosen, planned, carried out, and presented by each student. Students worked in small groups with the teacher in the role of motivator (through individual feedback) and resource person. The control group received traditional instruction with regular reading and essay assignments. Both groups took pre- and post-tests in writing mechanics, essay writing, and attitudes towards communication. Attrition, attendance, grade, and course and teacher evaluations were compared between groups. The experimental group began with 33 students; of the 28 completers, 10 received A's, 13 B's, and 5 C's. The control class began with 37 students; of the 30 completers, 10 received A's, 8 B's, and 12 C's. Both groups showed similar improvement in attitude, mechanics, coherence, and use of supporting detail, transitional devices, and logic. The experimental group showed a greater improvement in fluency and had one-third fewer absences. Evaluation instruments are appended. (TR)
Item Description:ERIC Note: Ed.D. Practicum, Nova University. The pretest, which is copyrighted, has been deleted.
ERIC Document Number: ED156255.
Physical Description:49 pages
Reproduction Note:Microfiche.
Action Note:committed to retain