This study aims to determine those topics and concepts that biology and science teacher candidates find most challenging to learn in biology lessons. A qualitative case study research method was used to this end. A total of 132 science and biology teacher candidates studying at a state university were asked to write down the ten subjects or…

School turnaround efforts have had limited success in prior research, largely due to their grounding in deficit narratives about schools, communities, and families and singular focus on academics. Community school approaches have promise, and are increasingly used by state and local education authorities, as not just a means to engage communities…

Usage of complex words causes significant problems not only in reading but in writing as well and eventually leads to poor academic achievement of students, poorer particularly for hearing impaired children. The dual diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and hearing impairment pose additional challenges mainly due to the difficulties that…

Making judgments of learning (JOLs) can sometimes modify subsequent memory performance, which is referred to as JOL reactivity. We evaluated two major theoretical explanations of JOL reactivity and used the dual-retrieval model to pinpoint the retrieval processes that are modified by JOLs. The changed-goal hypothesis assumes that JOLs highlight…

How does conceptual structure of external representations contribute to learning? This investigation considered the influence of generative concept sorting and of external structure information moderated by perceived difficulty. In Study 1, undergraduate students completed a perceived difficulty survey and comprehension pretest, then a sorting…

Teachers need knowledge about operant conditioning as an important way to prevent student misbehavior. In an experiment with 181 student teachers, we investigated how the acquisition of conceptual knowledge about operant conditioning can be promoted through case comparisons. Our results showed that case comparison effectively supported the…

Background: Cognitive load (CL) management is essential in safety-critical fields so that professionals can monitor and control their cognitive resources efficiently to perform and solve scenarios in a timely and safe manner, even in complex and unexpected circumstances. Thus, cognitive load theory (CLT) can be used to design virtual reality (VR)…

The aim of this study is to compare subjective and objective cognitive load measurements in a multimedia learning environment. For this purpose, 20 university students studied in multimedia environments designed by researchers during which eye movements and multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded. Self-report ratings were…

This study investigated whether the three variables of task form, squares carried, and figural complexity, for designing cube folding tasks, affect sixth graders' cube folding performance. Two task forms were used to develop two versions of "cube folding test." Each version was designed based on two levels of squares carried and three…

In this study, we aim to investigate activities using models in a design project in three technology classrooms. Activities that use models are important for students' development of knowledge and skills connected to the design process. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have thus far examined how models and modelling are used in a classroom…

In selected-response assessments such as attitude surveys with Likert-type rating scales, examinees often select from rating scale categories to reflect their locations on a construct. Researchers have observed that some examinees exhibit "response styles," which are systematic patterns of responses in which examinees are more likely to…

The affordances of computer-based learning environments make them powerful tools for conveying information in higher education. However, to most effectively use these environments, students must be adept at self-regulating their learning. This self-regulation is effortful, including a myriad of processes, including defining tasks, making plans,…

Load reduction instruction (LRI) is an instructional approach designed to manage the cognitive load on students as they learn complex learning materials. According to Cognitive Load Theory, complex learning is associated with high cognitive load and when not effectively managed, could impede learning. Inquiry-based learning with hands-on…

The study aimed to examine how emotional design and digitalization/mobilization of textbooks influence students' emotion, cognitive load, and cognitive performance. Research samples were 147 undergraduate students enrolling in the "Introduction to Internet" course at a university. They were randomly divided into three groups: 51 students…

Using multiple versions of an assessment has the potential to introduce item environment effects. These types of effects result in version dependent item characteristics (i.e., difficulty and discrimination). Methods to detect such effects and resulting implications are important for all levels of assessment where multiple forms of an assessment…