Using Experiential Learning To Teach Evaluation Skills

Abstract

The primary purpose of the study was to compare two experiential teaching methods on developing skills in evaluating andplacing conformation andperformance classes of horses. A secondary purpose was to examin outcomes for two age groups of participants. The study utilized a quasi-experimental two factor design. Data were collected and analyzed to test for significant differences between teaching techniques and age ofparticipants. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group was taught using live animals and the second group was taught using video simulated techniques. There was a significant difference in scores for both teaching technique and agegroups for the conformation, but not for the performance classes. Participants taught in the simulated situation scored higher as did the 12 to 18 year old group. The findings suggest that visual techniques are effective and warrant the development of high quality materials.