Effects of multimedia instructional material on students' learning and their perceptions of the instruction

Abstract

<p>The present study examined the effects of multimedia instructional material on students' learning and their perceptions of the instruction. A between-group quasi-experimental study design was used for the purpose of this study. One hundred eleven students enrolled in a Quantity Food Production laboratory class in two different semesters were designated to either the control or experimental group. Both groups received traditional instructor-led orientation sessions about table service and beverage preparation procedures. However, the experimental group was only allowed to access new instructional materials presented on DVD. A set of pretest and posttest was used to collect data. Test gain scores and students' class performance grades were computed and analyzed to compare students' learning outcomes between the two groups. Students' perceptions of instruction were measured with their opinions of instruction, their self-reported level of understanding of table and beverage service procedures, and their level of satisfaction.;Results of independent samples t-tests showed: (1) students in the experimental group had a significantly higher gain score than students in the control group; (2) no significant differences in students' performance grades between the two groups; (3) two out of seven questions about students' opinions about the instruction had more positive perception responses for students who watched the DVD than students of the control group; (4) no significant differences existed in students' self-reported level of understanding of table service and beverage preparation procedures between the two groups; and (5) students who watched the DVD had a higher level of overall satisfaction with the instruction than students who did not. Limitations of this study are recognized, and suggestions for future research are also provided.</p>