Currently the detection of learning styles from the external aspect has not produced optimal results. This research tries to solve the problem by using an internal approach. The internal approach is one that derives from the personality of the learner. One of the personality traits that each learner possesses is prior knowledge. This research…

This dissertation is concerned with how world knowledge (plausibility) affects reading beyond how predictable what comes next is. Previous studies have explained the effect of plausibility in terms of probability, either because plausibility is the conditional probability of a role filler given what precedes or because plausibility affects reading…

This study explored Chinese heritage language learners' prior Mandarin experiences and their current Mandarin-learning experiences to reveal factors that influence their motivation and intention to continue or discontinue their Mandarin coursework. Using a Grounded Theory approach, we conducted demographic surveys and semi-structured interviews…

Purpose: This study examined the learning experiences of speech-language pathology students after creating three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models as part of an undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology course. Method: A total of 44 undergraduate students used 3D software programs to design anatomical components (e.g., larynx, brainstem, brain cortex,…

The educational community has been interested in personalized learning systems that can adapt itself while providing learning support to different learners to overcome the weakness of 'one size fits all' approaches in technology-enabled learning systems. In this paper, one known problem in adaptive learning systems called curriculum sequencing is…

The research described here examined the sources of knowledge of astronomy of children (age 3-18) in China and New Zealand, together with the development of their awareness of competing sources, ranging from everyday language, childhood literature and folklore to the scientific accounts prevalent in schools. The authors cite examples of the…

Research in physics teaching has supported the use of analogies as an effective instructional tool that can be used to facilitate students' understanding of physics concepts. The effectiveness of analogies lies in that they allow students to form cognitive links between what they already know and what they are learning, harmoniously integrating,…

Teaching internal structures obscured from direct view is a major challenge of anatomy education. High-fidelity interactive three-dimensional (3D) micro-computed tomography (CT) models with virtual dissection present a possible solution. However, their utility for teaching complex internal structures of the human body is unclear. The purpose of…

This study analyzes the relationship between the entry path to a degree and the prior statistical competence of students taking a Statistics and Probability course at an online university. We assessed students' prior knowledge by administering a pretest of the information covered in the course analyzed. The sample includes 108 students from…

This study investigates the correlation between three data gathering methods for uncovering differences in secondary school students' text-learning strategy use. In total, 56 secondary school students' text-learning strategies were assessed with (a) a task-specific self-report inventory, (b) think-alouds protocols, and (c) the trace methodology.…

The manuscripts in this collection expand the current research on the experience of undergraduate science students with virtual reality laboratories. A systematic literature review and synthesis involving 21 peer-reviewed empirical articles (2009-2018) revealed a dearth of theoretical and methodological approaches exploring VR Labs, which centered…

The relation between prior knowledge and learning has been investigated in many studies. However, a recent meta-analysis showed that most of these studies suffered from serious methodological shortcomings, as they failed to account for knowledge growth over time, possible ceiling effects for learners with high prior knowledge, moderating effects…

Two generative approaches to reaction mechanism instruction for novice students were compared to lecture instruction. In both approaches, students were coached to propose selected reaction mechanisms based on prior knowledge. New instructional methods were correlated with increased skill in representations of electron movements and other gains.…

Although English-medium instruction (EMI) has been implemented and developed rapidly in higher education, little is known about its learning process and effects. This study employed a systematic approach to explore how diverse factors affect student performance in English and disciplinary learning. We conducted a survey to collect students'…

This study proposed a game-based flipped teaching approach and applied it to a HTML (HyperText Markup Language) course. We developed two versions of the pre-class content testing, one of which was game-based, using a "looking-through" game, and the other which was traditional, using a multiple-choice test. We conducted a teaching…