Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 9 of 9
Full-Text Articles in Education
Decision Making In The Sciences: Understanding Heuristic Use By Students In Problem Solving, Elizabeth Csikar
Decision Making In The Sciences: Understanding Heuristic Use By Students In Problem Solving, Elizabeth Csikar
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of heuristics by students and gain insight into the thought process behind their problem-solving skills. The study used an adaptive narrative as the information delivery medium. An adaptive narrative was chosen because it could be designed to simulate decision making processes encountered in real world situations. Students enrolled in an introductory biology major class were chosen for the study because their fields of interest all require complex problem solving and decision-making skills. It was of interest to investigate what decisions were made when heuristics were given and how that may …
Instructional Designer Awareness And Application Of Strategies To Manage Cognitive Load, Justin A. Sentz
Instructional Designer Awareness And Application Of Strategies To Manage Cognitive Load, Justin A. Sentz
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
This study examined how practicing instructional designers manage cognitive load in a standardized scenario as they select and implement instructional strategies, message design, content sequencing, and delivery media within various domains with learners at different levels of expertise. The study employed a quasi-experimental, mixed methods design to gain insight into how practicing instructional designers perceive their awareness of strategies to manage cognitive load and implement those strategies within a standardized design scenario. The research design involved the collection of quantitative data from the participants during an initial web-based questionnaire and a second collection of both quantitative and qualitative data as …
Investigating Application Of The Self-Explanation Learning Strategy During An Instructional Simulation, Paul Michael Macloughlin
Investigating Application Of The Self-Explanation Learning Strategy During An Instructional Simulation, Paul Michael Macloughlin
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
Computer-based simulations effectively support the acquisition of scientific knowledge when combined with a guided learning approach. Active learning drives complex cognitive processes that enable the integration of new information with existing knowledge. The iCAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) Framework provides a conceptual model to describe different types of active learning. Computer-based simulations fit neatly within this framework. Similarly, self-explanation is a generative learning strategy that fits within this framework. Promoting self-explanation using instructional prompts is an effective method for driving application of the strategy. This study compared three combinations of self-explanation prompt and learner activity (closed prompts – overt activity, …
Learning While Using An Instructional Simulation, Tayyaba Batool
Learning While Using An Instructional Simulation, Tayyaba Batool
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
Learner control is thought to be valuable by some scholars who believe that it allows learners to adapt instructions to their needs while reducing cognitive load (Mayer & Moreno, 2003). Although learner control offers some advantages to the learner, the importance of an instructor cannot be denied. In instructor-controlled settings the instructor provides guidance to the learners. Direct instructional guidance provides information to the learner that explains the concepts and procedures that are to be learned along with the instructional strategy support that is compatible with human cognitive architecture (Kirschner, Sweller, & Clark, 2006). This study compared the effects of …
Assessing Learning Strategies With An Educational Video, David James Harrison
Assessing Learning Strategies With An Educational Video, David James Harrison
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
Even though educational films and videos have been in used for a century, there remains insufficient research into efficacious learning strategies that can be used alongside them. This study sought to investigate active learning strategies as a method to improve learning from video. This true experimental study, supported and informed by qualitative data, examined three active learning strategies utilized within video-based instruction: Guided Notetaking, Personal Notetaking, and Guided Summaries. Outcome measures included three dimensions of learning (factual, conceptual, and procedural) on an immediate posttest, perceptions of extrinsic cognitive load, likelihood that participants would use the strategies again, how often participants …
Elaboration And Question Strategy Effect On Learning Outcomes And Cognitive Load, Julie Ann Bridges
Elaboration And Question Strategy Effect On Learning Outcomes And Cognitive Load, Julie Ann Bridges
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of instructor-created elaborations, learner-created elaborations and adjunct questions on learning outcomes in an asynchronous learning environment, using pre-recorded video. The study also investigated the effects of instructor-created elaborations, learner-created elaborations, or adjunct questions on perceived cognitive load. The effect of learning strategy on quality of elaboration was also investigated. Results showed no significant difference in learning outcomes or cognitive load or quality of elaboration, but a post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference in intrinsic cognitive load for students who used generative strategies while having no gain in learning outcomes.
Signaling Instructional Video For Mathematics, Kimberly W. Milner
Signaling Instructional Video For Mathematics, Kimberly W. Milner
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
Video provides an increasingly valuable medium for delivery of instruction in a growing number of content areas. Growth of online instructional applications has been prompted by expansion of the Internet and video streaming technology, adding to the need for design practices that produce more effective and efficient instructional videos. This study examined the use of signaling for multimedia to reduce cognitive overload and increase mental effort when learning mathematical concepts and procedures from instructional video. Signaling addresses the issue of directing the learner's attention by using visual or verbal cues that stress importance and organization (Mayer, 2009). Effectively signaled instructional …
The Effects Of Generative Strategies In Instructional Simulations On Learning, Cognitive Load, And Calibration Accuracy, Jennifer R. Morrison
The Effects Of Generative Strategies In Instructional Simulations On Learning, Cognitive Load, And Calibration Accuracy, Jennifer R. Morrison
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
Instructional simulations can provide a powerful medium for learners to interact with a model representing underlying principles of content or phenomena. While a promising medium for developing a learner's own mental model, reviews of simulation learning have revealed less than promising results (Bangert-Drowns, Kulik, & Kulik, 1985; Kulik & Kulik, 1991), perhaps due to the lack of instructional supports inherent with a discovery-based approach. This study examined the use of generative strategies as an instructional support to promote learning from a physics simulation. Generative strategies, originally proposed by Wittrock (1974, 1989), strengthen understanding by prompting learners to create meaning between …
In Search For Instructional Techniques To Maximize The Use Of Germane Cognitive Resources: A Case Of Teaching Complex Tasks In Physics, Yekaterina Sliva
In Search For Instructional Techniques To Maximize The Use Of Germane Cognitive Resources: A Case Of Teaching Complex Tasks In Physics, Yekaterina Sliva
STEMPS Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to introduce an instructional technique for teaching complex tasks in physics, test its effectiveness and efficiency, and understand cognitive processes taking place in learners' minds while they are exposed to this technique. The study was based primarily on cognitive load theory (CLT). CLT determines the amount of total cognitive load imposed on a learner by a learning task as combined intrinsic (invested in comprehending task complexity) and extraneous (wasteful) cognitive load. Working memory resources associated with intrinsic cognitive load are defined as germane resources caused by element interactivity that lead to learning, in contrast …