The development and appraisal of a linear program for the teaching of complex numbers

After a brief review of the development of Programmed Learning the work reviews some techniques for producing linear programmes. The development of the linear programme for teaching the manipulation of complex numbers, and its preliminary trial in 1965 are described. The examination of the errors and subsequent modifications to the programmes are also shown. In 1966 the programme was administered to 33 mature students (Mean age 38) in a College of Education, who were compared with another group of 12 in the same college. This latter group had been taught the same material in a conventional way. No significant differences were found in post test scores or times needed to complete the work by either method. Some other correlations are investigated. The programme teaches successfully (Mean Gain + 72%), and methods of improving its performance for poorer students are discussed. A loop branching method is also suggested as an alternative way of helping less able students.