Abstract:
This action research study examined the outcomes of self-guided print instruction
with increased teacher facilitation on adults' learning experiences at a technical college in
southeast Georgia. Typically, computer courses at the technical college were presented
with self-guided print instruction only. The intervention for this study was increased
teacher facilitation with self-guided print instruction, which involved an instructor who
provided student feedback to assignments and guidance through the learning process with
lecture, multimedia resources, and handouts. The study was conducted with 37 adult
learners, who were enrolled in one of two introductory computer classes, one during the
day and the other at night. The courses, which focused on the use of Microsoft Excel,
were presented during a 3-week period. As evidenced from post-intervention data,
students' attitudes and experiences toward self-guided print instruction with teacher
facilitation were positive. Teachers' attitudes and experiences toward self-guided print
instruction with teacher facilitation were also positive.
This qualitative and quantitative study included student surveys, interviews,
journals, and observation along with teacher surveys and teacher journal. As evidenced
from post-intervention data, students' attitudes and experiences toward self-guided print
instruction with teacher facilitation were positive but not necessarily with all classes nor
with all subject matter being learned. Teachers' attitudes and experiences toward selfguided
print instruction with teacher facilitation were positive.
The results of the study were communicated to the learning community through a
faculty meeting using a PowerPoint presentation. The learning community was faculty
members who use self-guided print instruction as the mode of instruction.