The educational screen (c1922-c1956])

February, 1942 Page 71 and silent motion pictures available on the topics in the three units. These pictures were selected to fit into the teaching schedule of the units of work chosen to be taught during the experiment. No attempt was made to select the students for the different groups. Three classes that had been in existence up to the time the experiment started were used as subjects. A testing program conducted by the school and previous records of the students were assumed to provide sufficient data for determining general abilities and capacities of the groups. One form of an achievement test was given at the be- ginning of the experiment and another form of the same test at the end. Teacher-made tests were of two kinds ; weekly and final. The weekly tests covered the work taught dur- ing a given week. The final teacher-made test was given approximately one week after the end of the experiment. This test covered all the subject matter studied during the nine weeks of the experiment. A teaching procedure consisting of a combination of class discussion, supervised study, and laboratory work was fol- lowed. This method had been used for some time. Work- books designed and written to accompany the test were used during a portion of the supervised study periods. Films were used, in all instances, to supplement the regu- lar classroom work. They were allowed to displace only a small amount of time used in the other classes for class discussion. They were used, in some instances, as an introduc- tion to a subject, but in such instances they were shown again at the conclusion of that phase of work. In most instances they were shown at the conclusion of the unit they covered. Re-showing of difficult parts of the films was adhered to in every instance where it was deemed necessary. Results 1. The non-visual aids group has a slightly higher per- centage of ninth-grade students than has the full visual aids group; but this disadvantage, if it is one, should be offset by the fact that it also has a slightly high percentage of eleventh-grade students. The partial visual aids group shows the highest percentage of ninth-grade students, but it also shows the highest percentage of eleventh grade stu- dents which should offset any disadvantage in that respect. On the whole, it appears that the three groups were not seriously unbalanced from the standpoint of the grade level of the subjects composing them. 2. The full visual aids group was at a disadvantage in intelligence and aptitude, in comparison with the non-visual aids group and the partial visual aids group. 3. The students of the full visual aids group made a gain of 18.4% more than did the students of the non-visual aids group. The students of the full visual aids group made a gain of 15.8% more than did the students of the partial visual aids group. The difference between the means made by the three groups represents the effects of the instruction they received. 4. The retention of the full visual aids group was 10% higher than that of the non-visual aids group, and 10% higher than that of the partial visual aids group. 5. The students of the non-visual aids group were absent twice as much as the students of the full visual aids group. Also, the non-visual aids group made no preparation of the assigned lesson slightly more than 66 per cent more days than did the full visual aids group. 6. For the period of experimentation, the total cost per student was thirteen cents. Conclusions There is no doubt that the use of the visual materials is one of the most potent educational factors of recent years. What is true of the use of visual aids in the teach- ing of biology is also true in any other field in which ade- quate materials are available. Any device which will in- crease mastery of subject matter as much as eighteen per cent, will increase retention as much as ten per cent, and will so adequately motivate students, can no longer be questioned as to its value in the classroom. Most Unusual Subject! The CLOTH of KINGS Read this review tliat appeared in Educational Screen wlien it was tirst sliown in America's best tlieatres. The cloth of kings' is an inform, a+ive and effective travelogue showing the weaving of Irish linen. It received the Merit Award from Associated Publications for the outstanding short subject of the week. We quote a review of it from the 'Film Daily': 'During the process, the peas- ants gather and prepare the flax in their primitive way, for the weaving machines. But in the factory ancient methods give way to the new and the fibers are pro- cessed by modern technique. True Irish colleens are among the factory workers, and their deft fingers create the designs and trace the delicate embroidery that completes the job. During the early scenes the cameraman captures some picturesque views of the Irish countryside which recall painted landscapes. The subject has an absorbing interest throughout, its inci- dental educational value detracting not at all from its entertainment qualities.' " Whether you seek EDUCATrON or ENTERTAINMENT you will find that the VISUAL way is the BEST way! For Further Informafion Write to NON-THEATRICAL DEPARTMENT UNIVERSAL PICTURES COMPANY, INC. Rockefeller Center New York. N. Y. CIRcle 7-7100