Teaching Styles: Is the Modular Method More Effective?

Abstract

At a time when nurse educators in academic and service settings are interested in fostering independent study, a number of teaching methods have been tried - among them, modular instruction. While believed to be valuable, the effectiveness of these new methods is seldom evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether knowledge, level of perceived achievement, and use of and attitude toward the subject matter were greater with instruction based on modules or based on lectures. Review of the Literature A learning module is an instructional package that deals with a single conceptual unit of the content, and it contains the materials necessary for relatively independent learning (Bevis, 1973). In nursing education, modular learning has been implemented in a variety of universities and colleges. Modules provide opportunities for students to be responsible for their own learning; students are able to pace themselves within a framework set up by the instructor, and they become active participants instead of passive learners (Russell, 1974). Huckabay (1981) states that exposing students to independent learning, such as modular content, is essential in developing their abilities and desire to continue their education.