A model of cognition and a construct, such as a concept map (Wilson, 2009), is critical in designing assessments of that construct. The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) in the construct must be put to use in order to assess what test takers know and can do (National Research Council, 2001). In order to validate a construct map for graphic…

The growing importance of 3D animations in current teaching approaches becomes increasingly apparent, offering an effective way to visualize complex spatial concepts and processes in geography learning through outstanding visual representation and details. However, the effects of detail richness and text load of 3D animation on learning about…

Numerous studies have proven the learning benefits of concept maps in science subjects, particularly for students with low prior knowledge. There is a scarcity of research dedicated to the examination of chemistry courses at the university level, and the findings pertaining to academic performance in that subject exhibit a lack of consistency.…

Many studies have incorporated concept maps into digital games to enable learners to make connections between subject concepts in the game. However, most learners do not associate spontaneously with the thematic concepts in the game but need to be facilitated by effective scaffolding mechanisms to reconceptualize the learning process and content.…

Our goal for this article is two-fold: 1) to examine the efficacy of participatory concept mapping as an integration tool for mixed methods research (MMR), and 2) to explore, using concept mapping, pre-service teachers' epistemic cognition (EC) and its relationship to teaching orientation (TO). Using a combined developmental and dimensional…

The use of external representations has a potential to facilitate inquiry learning, especially in hypothesis generation and scientific reasoning, which are typical difficulties encountered by students. This study proposes and investigates the effects of a three-dimensional thinking graph (3DTG) that allows learners to combine in a single image,…

Textbook questions and exercises are quintessential part of every textbook. One can easily locate textbook questions at the end of the every chapter and also in between the texts. What are they meant for? Usually we think they are meant for assessing learners' understanding regarding subject knowledge, providing clue to teacher to form other…

This article focused on the concept of metacognition. Some theoretical models of metacognition were discussed to provide a general framework to understand the relationship between the different aspects or components of this phenomenon. The study also looked at five metacognitive strategies that enhance learning in schools, namely: (1) graphic…

Chemistry courses remain a challenge for many undergraduate students. In particular, first-semester organic chemistry has been labeled as a gatekeeper with high attrition rates, especially among students of color. Our study examines a key factor related to conceptual understanding in science and predictive of course outcomes-knowledge structures.…

This study examines the effectiveness of Neurocognitive Based Concept Mapping (NBCM) on students' learning in a science course. A total of 32 grade IX of high school Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students were involved in this study by pre-test and post-test measurements. They were divided into two groups: NBCM group as an…

We propose an expanded definition of Threshold Concepts (TCs) that requires the successful acquisition and internalisation not only of knowledge, but also its practical elaboration in the domains of applied strategies and mental models. This richer definition allows us to clarify the relationship between TCs and Fundamental Ideas, and to account…

A rich narrative-style bibliography of concept mapping (reviewing six articles published between 1992-2005). Articles reviewed include: (1) Cognitive mapping: A qualitative research method for social work (C. Bitoni); (2) Collaborative concept mapping: Provoking and supporting meaningful discourse (C. Boxtel, J. Linden, E. Roelofs, and G. Erkens);…

Recent educational research from a socio-cognitive perspective has validated students' collaborative engagement with new technologies and heightened understanding of influential factors shaping the effectiveness of peer interactions, learning contexts and computer interfaces for enhancing learning. This paper focuses on an analysis of the…

Based upon Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning, this study focused on the use of concept maps (diagrams that portray relationships among concepts in a given area of study) to help students identify logical relationships between a new concept and concepts already known. Relationships of a learner's prior knowledge and cognitive development to…

Summarizes findings of a collection of research studies at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) aiding fundamental understanding of knowledge representation and its applications. Issues arising when a knowledge representation system is incorporated into an authoring language are discussed, including the problems of exteriorization, metacognition,…