Effects of a video program on the writing of second-grade students

This study responds to the need for evaluation of educational materials used in teaching the process of writing to children. Specifically, this research shows whether a video program on writing, called "Fins, Feathers & Fur," helps to improve student writing ability. The video program was designed for students at the primary level and emphasizes the process approach to writing, centering on the act of composition rather than the isolated mechanics of grammar.; A nonrandomized control group pretest/posttest design was utilized to research the problem. The quasi-experimental field test used three heterogeneously grouped second grade classes. The classes were administered a pretest at the beginning of the school year prior to any writing instruction being given, with a posttest given at the end of the semester. The tests, which were student writing samples, were rated holistically according to the standards established by the Writing Test for New York State Elementary Schools.; The classroom teachers were asked to respond to questions dealing with effectiveness of the videos and the accompanying teacher's guide. The means of the pretest and posttest were compared among and between the groups.; It was found that the groups which viewed the videos did have greater gains in mean scores than the control group; however, all three groups were basically equivalent in mean posttest scores.; The teacher responses to the questions were strong statements in support of the program. A review of the comments indicate the teachers (1) believed the videos were well received by the students, (2) believed the videos reinforced present classroom lessons, (3) found the teacher's guide helpful, and (4) thought the videos stimulated student interest.; It can be stated that the videos did not hinder the learning process and teacher responses indicated the program can be useful for student motivation.