Quantitative Results
Out of the 10 section, each of three terms where the common final was used, the CybSys method sections consistently and significantly outperformed all other sections. Average grades on the common final were consistently between 92% and 95%, with total variance of less than 15 points, compared to averages of 82-89 with total variance of 30 pts (ave.)
Original projects at comparable evaluation criteria averaged 5-10% in non-CybSys method courses and averaged 70-90% in CybSys method courses.
Surprising results: The “discovery learning” method, used in various forms by at least 3 different instructors, were consistently toward the bottom of the performance level, showing comparable to below the traditionally taught courses in both quality of projects and quantitative performance on the common final.
The best teaching evaluations (and generally second-best section performance) went to one of the traditional method instructors. However the “Would you recommend this instructor/course to a friend” ratings were comparable and very high between the top traditional instructors and the CybSys method instructors.