Abstract:
Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) were developed as computer based, easily accessible, self-help tutorials and evaluated over a two-year period in a "Feeds and Feeding" class (AnS 307) supplementing traditional classroom lecture. Students often have difficulty understanding "protein quality" and its relationship to animal nutrition, and a series of RLOs were developed as tutorials for students to read and review following a classroom lecture on the subject. Pre-tests (PT) were given to students (n=56) prior to a lecture on protein quality, and the same test instrument administered again following a classroom lecture over protein quality (PT-L), followed by the students given the opportunity to review RLOs regarding protein quality and then administered the same test a third time (PT-RLO). Means scores forPT, PT-L and PT-RLO were 16.5%, 58.1% and 72.4%, respectively (P=0.01). The effects of the lecture and RLO compared to the pre-test were both linear (P=0.01) and quadratic (P=0.01) with some outcomes improved with RLOs, but some were satisfactory with only lecture. These results indicate the development of RLOs for difficult topics within a subject could be effective in increasing information retention by students. Having self-help tutorials outside the classroom for specific subjects appears to enhance student learning outcomes.
Keywords:
retention, learning
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