Firstly, our research shows that students on small post-experience OM modules appear to
have a slight preference for traditional teaching methods, whilst those on large pre-experience
module tend to favour experiential teaching methods. Independent teaching methods are the
least favourite for students on both types of module. However, it is also clear that the
preferences for different teaching methods are clustered relatively closely together and that a
number of students do not favour the method rated highest by their peers. The key implication
of these findings is that for most OM modules, regardless of size or level of experience, a mix
of teaching methods is likely to be more suitable than a focus on one type of method to the
exclusion of others. Such a ‘hybrid’ approach could include lectures, role-plays, films,
business simulation games, individual and group assignments, case studies, one-to-one
instruction, and computer-based training. As such, the debate as to whether experiential
teaching methods are superior to traditional or independent teaching methods may be
superseded by a rather more productive view: one that aims to develop a better understanding
of how different teaching methods may work together to maximise student learning on OM
modules.