Preparation of teachers for a humanistic education : a description of the Thiskol Interaction Laboratory and its effect on education students
Date
1979
Authors
Clamp, Ewart Keith
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Abstract
This pre-experimental study was undertaken to pro vi de a preliminary description of the effects of the Thiokol Interaction Laboratory on first year Education students. The interaction laboratory is contained within a University course known as Education 197.
Education 197 was introduced in response to parental and education administrator's concerns in two areas,
(a) that prospective teachers be screened before admission to the Faculty of Education, and
(b) that training in human relationships be provided to education students.
The FIRO-B (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Behaviour) was administered in a pre-test/post-test format. The data obtained were analysed to detect changes in the students according to two criteria (a) d-score analysis and (b) Golden-Mean analysis.
The d-score analysis was based on the work of Schutz and Allen (1966) who theorized that a high differential between expressed behaviours (those behaviours that are made towards others) and wanted behaviours (those behaviours that are wanted from others) is associated with anxiety, social frustration or compulsion. The d-score analysis sought to detect changes in d-scores occurring during the period of Educ 197.
The Golden-mean analysis was based on an extension of the concept of the Golden-mean developed by Ryan (1977). The Golden-mean was defined as that pattern of FIRO-B scores associated with a mature and balanced interpersonal orientation.
The Golden-mean analysis tested the assumption that individual FIRO-B post-test scores would tend towards the Golden-mean as compared with pre-test scores.
In order to test findings by Smallegan (1971) and Jacobson (1972) the total sample was divided into Low, Medium and High groups according to their pre-test scores. It was expected that the Low group would show larger changes than the other two groups.
The data resulting from the d-score analysis was somewhat mixed but a trend towards reduced d-scores was detected in the areas of Inclusion and Control for both High and Low groups. Affection scores remained remarkably stable. Overall, the Low group did not contribute more changes in the expected direction.
The Golden-mean analysis was even more mixed and inconclusive. Frequency counts of those showing a trend towards the Golden-mean were fewer than those moving away in most combinations of areas and groups. However, the standard deviations calculated against the Golden-mean values showed a general reduction in the post-test as compared with the pre-test.
An in-depth analysis of five individual case studies was made. Implications of these analyses for future research were discussed.