Background: We tested the effects of an intervention on the learning of introductory thermodynamics principles. This intervention, OEM-Thermo, is designed to prompt the cognitive operations of meaningful learning: organization, elaboration, and monitoring. We also sought evidence to show that execution of these operations was associated with…

Acid-base chemistry is central to a wide range of reactions. If students are able to understand how and why acid-base reactions occur, it should provide a basis for reasoning about a host of other reactions. Here, we report the development of a method to characterize student reasoning about acid-base reactions based on their description of…

Findings from the fields of cognitive science and cognitive development propose a variety of evidence-based principles for improving learning. One such recommendation is that instead of having students practice solving long strings of problems on their own after a lesson, worked-out examples of problem solutions should be incorporated into…

In a series of two in vivo experiments, we examine whether correct and incorrect examples with prompts for self-explanation can be effective for improving students' conceptual understanding and procedural skill in Algebra when combined with guided practice. In Experiment 1, students working with the Algebra I Cognitive Tutor were randomly assigned…

In teaching geometry, most instructors opt for direct demonstration with detailed explanations; however, under this kind of instruction students face considerable difficulties in the development of the reasoning skills required to deal with problems of a geometric nature. This study adopted a nonequivalent pretest-postest quasi-experimental design…

THIS EXPERIMENT WAS DESIGNED TO INVESTIGATE (1) THE AMOUNTS OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATED BY THE KNOWLEDGE OF A PRINCIPLE AS OPPOSED TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF CUES AND (2) THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF A PRINCIPLE AS OPPOSED TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF CUES AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF LEARNING. THE FOUR GROUPS MAKING UP THE EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN WERE A CUE GROUP…

Two computer assisted instruction programs tested the effects of plain and enhanced screen designs with or without information about those designs and task-type on time and learning. Subjects were 140 fourth grade students in Lincoln, Nebraska who had extensive prior experience with computers. The enhanced versions used headings, directive cues,…