DO METHODS MATTER?

Lena Boström

University of Umeå Department of Education, 2000

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether students at the Swedish Upper Secondary School Parkskolan in Örnsköldsvik would achieve better results given the opportunity to work according to their best learning style compared to traditional teaching. The purpose was also to find out whether the method would affect the students´ attitudes towards new and difficult subjects. The study was based upon an experimental group consisting of three classes and a control group of two classes.

The method used for this study was mostly quantitative with statistical processing but there was also a qualitative angle of approach. The result showed that students given the possibility to learn new and difficult subjects through their best learning style achieved better results than students taught through traditional teaching. Attitudes to tests, examinations and experiences were also affected in a positive way. These results were shown both in the written test and in interviews with students.

RAPPORT 13/2000, Pedagogiska Institutionen, Umeå Universitet (Denna rapport finns i sin helhet att beställa ifrån mig eller ovan nämnda institution i Umeå.)