The achievement test results showed an increase in passing rate when it came to podcast instruction. Since the three achievement tests did not have the same number of questions and content was different, I could not just look at the average score or number of students that passed the tests.
To find out if there was statistical significance between these three teaching methods I performed an ANOVA test. The results of that test showed that there was indeed statistical significance between the teaching methods. Since we determined there was significance, the next step was to determine which method held the most significance among these 13 special education students. To determine which of the three teaching methods was the most statistically significant, I performed a Tukey Range or Tukey HSD test. The results showed that the significance was located in podcast instruction.
Based on these results, we can deduct that podcast instruction is likely the most effective method of technology for special education students. However, we cannot generalize these results. Not all special education students are the same. Subject matter, content and several other factors also play a role. Students will need more practice with podcasts to really get the hang of how to use them and how to take notes effectively from them. This is just one method of instruction that can benefit special education students.
Podcasts are a great way for all students to gain information. Podcasts do not allow for students to copy notes word for word. This forces students to have to increase their listening skills. Podcast instruction requires students to be able to listen, comprehend and apply the information they are learning as they complete their notes and graphic organizers. I encourage all teachers to implement a similar study in their classrooms. You may just find out which method of instruction works best for your special education students.
How can
podcasts be
used by
students?