This study examined the visual design processes and strategies used by design experts and non-design college students when composing an infographic. All participants created an infographic on a personal computer and were asked to think aloud as they performed the task. The goal was to identify differences in the strategies utilised to produce…

The development of metaknowledge about models (MKM) and metaknowledge about the modelling process (MKP) are important in pre-service science teachers (PSTs) education. MKM refers to knowledge about the model's entities and its purposes, while MKP refers to knowledge about the components and structure of the modelling process. Assessing MKM and MKP…

False alarming, or detecting an error when there is not one, is a pervasive problem across numerous industries. The present study investigated the role of elaboration, or additional information about non-error differences in complex visual displays, for mitigating false error responding. In Experiment 1, learners studied errors and non-error…

Recent research has indicated that the manner in which single-case data are typically displayed for visual analysis may influence rater decisions regarding the effect of an intervention. Subsequently, researchers have encouraged adherence to a standard assembly for linear graphs in order to control these effects. Others, however, have encouraged…

The concept of a free body diagram is central to Mechanical Engineering. Beyond its correct layout, a series of analysis concepts in the development of this skill allows one to visualise, understand, and analyse mechanisms and other complex applications. The correct assessment of the skill goes beyond the simple application of a test because it is…

Effective spatial visualization and reasoning skills are often credited for students' success in science and engineering courses. However, students enrolled in these science courses are not always exposed to or trained properly on the best ways to utilize models to aid in their learning. Improving spatial visualization techniques with 3D models,…

Current approaches used by educational institutions to address the problem of student cheating are not working. This is because the discourse of academic integrity that currently dominates is, on its own, inadequate for addressing the problem. We propose that in order for higher education institutions to challenge cheating effectively, they need…

A disadvantage that A&P classrooms using 3-D digital computer anatomical models experience is the disconnect between digital and physical models traditionally used. This project used 3-D digital models on smart tablets and traditional physical models for in-class A&P lab practical exam studying and preparation. We focused on the hands-on…

The introduction of Computational Chemistry via "Molecular Modelling and Drug Design" course at undergraduate level has opened wide possibilities for students to expand their knowledge of quantum chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, protein-ligand interactions, drug design, and probable "in vivo" behavior of drug candidates.…

Background: Visual metaphors (VMs) have gained significant attention from cognitive linguists for their ability to help learners understand linguistic structure. However, few studies have explored how incorporating a VM-supported instructional design can help instructors elucidate the abstract concepts of the business model canvas (BMC) to enhance…

Recent studies have identified an incomplete student understanding of how elastic rebound causes earthquakes. We hypothesized that realistic imaging of spatial patterns in ground motions over the course of the earthquake cycle would improve student understanding. Incorporating spatial change information in the form of both motion vectors and…

Data-based decision-making, which involves evaluating students' progress and making instructional decisions, is an integral competency for preservice teachers. Several studies have found that visual aids, such as decision-making models, may be an effective way to train preservice teachers to make instructional decisions. The purpose of this study…

The three-dimensional nature of macromolecules is often difficult for undergraduate students to grasp. This leads to difficulties in understanding key concepts in Biochemistry, such as protein function and conformational change. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, which can aid students in three-dimensional visualizations, have been shown to…

Thermohaline circulation is a foundational concept in introductory and advanced undergraduate oceanography courses which describes the density-driven flow of water throughout the world's oceans. This concept is commonly taught using two-dimensional (2D) diagrams and graphics. However, students often struggle with the three-dimensional (3D)…

In mathematics, learners often spontaneously draw on prior knowledge when learning new ideas. In this study, we examined whether the specific diagrams used to represent more familiar (i.e., whole number division) and less familiar ideas (i.e., fraction division) shape successful transfer. Undergraduates (N = 177) were randomly assigned to…