Effects of Lesson Organization on Achievement

Abstract

This study identified two low-inference variables comprising lesson organization and determined their effect on student achievement. For each of the two main effect variables, two conditions were defined: proper sequence versus manipulated sequence, and explicit organization behaviors present versus explicit organization behaviors absent. Four treatment groups (equated on mathematical ability) were formed by the possible combinations of these conditions. A single lesson on numeration systems was taught to the four groups (67 university students), and achievement was evaluated using an investigator-designed posttest. Although the data indicated no significant effect for sequence, the study did yield a significant effect (p < .01) for explicit organization. No significant aptitude-treatment interaction was found, either for explicit organization or for sequence.