Lecture vs. Self-Regulated Learning: A Comparison of Two Methods in Teaching Biological Science

Abstract

Lecture is a common method used in college teaching. Various researchescomparing lecture and more active methods in relation to students’ performance presented mixed views on the effectiveness of the lecture. This research aimed to compare the traditional lecture and self-regulating learning method in relation tostudents’ achievement in Biological Science. The study used quasi-experimentalmethod using non-equivalent group pretest-posttest design. Two intact classeswere used with 39 students in each class. A total of 78 first year students wereincluded in the study. The two groups were randomly assigned to the twoteaching methods. One group was taught through lecture while the other groupthrough self-regulated learning (SRL) method. Comparability of the studentswas based on their pretest scores in Biological Science. The study was conductedwith an observer. Teacher-made achievement test, course teaching manual, andcourse reader were used in the study. Results revealed that both lecture andSRL methods increased students’ achievement in Biological Science. However,students in the traditional method obtained higher mean pretest, posttest, andmean gain scores than students exposed to SRL method. Lecture as a teachingmethod should not be entirely replaced but also integrated with other methodswhenever it is appropriate. Keywords: Education, college science teaching, self-regulated learning, quasiexperimentaldesign, Philippines