Lecture versus participation in the health training of Peace Corps volunteers.

Abstract

A 2 X 2 factorial design with lecture versus participation as 1 variable and teaching team as the other was used to assess the health training of 272 Peace Corps volunteers. Before-after training tests were given for knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about specific illnesses, and intention to follow recommended personal and community health behaviors. Results indicate that, with the specific task of health training, participation is not more effective than lecture, although teachers or teaching teams do differ in effectiveness. Further, if students do have a preference, it is for the lecture method.

The Content and Evaluation of Cross-Cultural Training Programs

“…Unfortunately, the only evaluation of Haigh t s (1966) suggestion is the enthusiastic response by the trainees. Kerrick et al (1967) found that a lecture was more effective than a discussion group in persuading Peace Corps volunteers to adopt certain health practices. This apparently contradicts the earlier discussion of Lewin t s (1947) and Coch t s and French t s (1948) work.…”

“…4. Kerrick, Clark, and Rice (1967) and Haigh (1966) investigated certain cross-cultural training techniques. Haigh suggested that trainees spend time in an American subculture (e.g., a ghetto area, Appalachian Mountain community) prior to overseas assignment.…”

Attitude du groupe majoritaire vis-à-vis les « autres ». Évaluation d’une stratégie de changement

“…On a établi depuis longue date que la transmission de l'information se fait aussi bien sinon mieux par le moyen d'un cours traditionnel que par le moyen d'une participation ou d'une discussion (Spence 1928, Ruja 1954, Kerrick et al 1967). …”

“…En effet, non seulement les résultats de la recherche expérimentale (Lewin 1947, Hayes et Conklin 1953, Wieder 1954, Greenberg et al 1957, Kerrick et al 1967, Gezi et Johnson 1970 prouvent cela, mais les pronostics des théoriciens eux-mêmes abondent dans ce sens (Lewin 1947, Flowerman 1943.…”

“…Enfin, il faut tenir compte de deux recherches qui démontrent que le changement des attitudes et du comportement ne dépend ni de la première méthode ni de la deuxième mais plutôt de l'inclination initiale du sujet vers l'action (Bennett 1955, Kerrick et al 1967). …”