DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A SET OF INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR TEN SELECTED ASPECTS OF FLAT PATTERN DESIGN

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of individualized modular instruction as an alternative to a traditional lecture-demonstration method for teaching ten selected aspects of flat pattern design in a college course. Ten sets of individualized instruction materials were developed according to a systems approach model designed by Walter Dick and Lou Carey at Florida State University. The materials were tested and revised in a three-stage formative evaluation prior to classroom use. The instructional value of the materials was analyzed by comparing performance results of twenty-four students taught in a traditional lecture-demonstration class with performance results of sixteen students taught by the individualized instruction materials.; A pre-instruction attitude and experience survey first classified students as having high or low experience levels in flat pattern design based on prior clothing construction practice and, second, determined pre-instruction student attitude toward the flat pattern design course. A post-instruction attitude survey determined student attitude toward the subject after instruction and attitudes toward the instruction that had been received. Performance test scores and learning time were compared between methods of instruction and experience levels to determine instructional value of the materials.; The individualized instruction students had higher average test scores than the lecture-demonstration students on all ten performance tests. Learning time data showed that the individualized instruction students used an average of 141 minutes for all ten units of instruction compared to a total of 156 minutes used by the teacher of the lecture-demonstration class.; Students in both groups expressed favorable attitudes toward the flat pattern design course before and after instruction. Students also expressed favorable attitudes toward the instruction they had received.; Performance test results suggested that students working on the individualized instruction materials at their own pace had higher levels of mastery of the selected flat pattern design principles and techniques than students taught in a traditional teacher-paced lecture-demonstration manner.