Psychology 387

Decide whether or not the course structure described below is an example of PSI. If so, click on "Yes;" if not, identify the problematic feature(s) by clicking on the letter associated with the correct alternative.

Sean, a physics professor, had recently read the literature summarizing the results of studies comparing PSI and conventional teaching methods. He was impressed with the clear superiority of PSI, and for that reason had decided to use PSI to teach his 14-week course, Physics 101. He divided the required readings and exercises from textbook into four units. He composed study objectives and multiple test forms for each of those units. He encouraged his students to study during scheduled hours in the classroom, when his T.A. would be available for tutoring. It was also during this time that students could request to write a unit test. Sean emphasized that they make this request only when they felt they had mastered all the objectives for that unit. Sean did not allow his students to proceed to the next unit until they had answered all the questions correctly on a test for the current unit. He did allow them to write different versions of a unit test, repeatedly, until they reached this 100% criterion. After completing a test, a student entered an adjoining room where Sean's office was located. The student submitted the test to Sean and waited beside him while he assessed it. If Sean was unsure about any answer, he would ask the student to elaborate. Sean planned to give five "fun" presentations during the semester, but he would not assess students on any of the material he presented during those classes.