This study examined some of the methodological approaches used by students to construct causal maps in order to determine which approaches help students understand the underlying causes and causal mechanisms in a complex system. This study tested the relationship between causal understanding (ratio of root causes correctly/incorrectly identified,…

Betty's Brain is an open-ended learning environment in which students learn about science topics by teaching a virtual agent named Betty through the construction of a visual causal map that represents the relevant science phenomena. The task is complex, and success requires the use of metacognitive strategies that support knowledge acquisition,…

Presents results of a study that used feedback from 231 eighth graders in a computer-based instruction (CBI) science program to examine the effects of interaction cues and ability grouping on class performance, attitudes, instruction time, and interaction behaviors. Results indicate that students who used the cued version of the CBI program…