This paper reports an experimental fi eld study aimed at examining whether a process-oriented form of instru ction (combining program p lanning and interactive teaching) which produced outstanding results when implemented by a tutor/researcher (see could be used successfully by regular university tutors given detailed guidelines but minimal training. A second aim of the study was to establish the respective contribution of the two sub-compon ents of the instructional package. The results ofthe study were inconclusive and raise a number of conceptual, methodological and practical issues. As in the initial study, expe rimental students were more satisfied with their learning arid for those who had the choice, more inclined to undertake further studies in comp uting but the interv ention did not affect students ' achievement. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the earlier work, and suggestions are made for bridging the gap between educational research and educational pra ctice in higher education.