E-learning-module "Planning of experimental design": development and evaluation

Long-time experiences and exams' results show, that the acquirement and the application of knowledge about experimental design are experienced as very difficult. The application of e-learning-components in addition to the classical methods of knowledge mediation (lectures, courses) can contribute the acceptance of difficult teaching points as well as enhance knowledge and skills. Therefore, during 2008 and 2009, at the University of Dresden (TU Dresden) an e-learning-module for experimental designs was developed with the objective of enabling the psychology students to deepen their methodological knowledge as well as to apply this knowledge independently on practical methodological tasks. For the first time a module allows the autonomous computer-based issue of experimental designing. The module was approved on the TU's psychology students, evaluated in a two groups random design and optimized in its details afterwards. However, the module's acceptance turned out to be very high, so that positive effects for the students' motivation can be expected. Furthermore a high significant accession of the achievement was assessed in the experimental group.

10.05.2011 | Malgorzata Gorniak, Johanna Petzoldt, Kristina Schäfer, Nele Wessels, Matthias Rudolf & Bärbel Bergmann (Dresden)