Effectiveness in Teaching. New Dimensions in Higher Education. Number 2.

Research from 1955 to 1960 was reviewed regarding class size, general methods of teaching, problem-oriented approaches to teaching, and directed learning. The examination of effectiveness of teaching suggests: (1) that the critical factor is not class size as such, but the nature of the teaching as it effects learning; (2) that there is little likelihood of discovering a general method that is clearly more effective than others; (3) that problem-oriented approaches to learning are effective, or that inquiry by students and teachers is a promising academic way of life that should be studied for its pedagogical and curricular implications; and (4) that directed learning, which is the essence of the teacher's role in inquiry, is effective teaching. (Author/LBH)