This study explored Metacognition and how automated instructional support in the form of problem-solving and self-reflection prompts influenced students' capacity to solve complex problems in a Web-based learning environment. Specifically, we examined the independent and interactive effects of problem-solving prompts and reflection prompts on…

How does the type of learning material impact what is learned? The current research investigates the nature of students' learning of math concepts when using manipulatives (Uttal, Scudder, & DeLoache, 1997). We examined how the type of manipulative (concrete, abstract, none) and problem-solving prompt (metacognitive or problem-focused) affect…

Three experiments investigated the effects of two hints derived from the Criterion for Satisfactory Progress theory (CSP) and Representational Change Theory (RCT) on the cheap necklace problem (insight problem). In Experiment 1, fewer participants given the CSP hint used an incorrect (maximizing) first move than participants given the RCT hint or…

In two experiments we explored how learning from traditional molar worked-out examples--focusing on problem categories and their associated overall solution procedures--as well as from more efficient modular worked-out examples--where intrinsic cognitive load is reduced by breaking down complex solutions into smaller meaningful solution…

The study assessed a program involving distinctive-feature prompts for teaching four educable mentally retarded children (ages 7-9) to use appropriate arithmetical operations with multicomponent pictorial problems. Results indicated the program was effective with all subjects. (Author/DB)

Combined fading with the introduction of prompts designed to encourage learners to identify the underlying principle illustrated in each worked-out solution step. Across 2 experiments, this combination produced medium to large effects on near and far transfer without requiring additional time on task. Thus, the instructional procedure is highly…

This study investigated the effect of two problem-solving techniques: (a) free-association with a direct reference to the problem, called shortly direct, and (b) free-association with a remote and postponed reference to the problem, called remote, on fluency and originality of ideas in solving ill-structured problems. The research design…

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY WERE (1) TO IDENTIFY AND COMPARE THREE KINDS OF TRANSFER EFFECTS--AN EFFECT ASSOCIATED WITH CUE REPETITION, A LEARNING-TO-LEARN EFFECT, AND A WARM-UP EFFECT, AND (2) TO EVALUATE THE USEFULNESS OF CUE-RESPONSE CORRELATIONS IN EXPLAINING TRANSFER EFFECTS. THE STUDY WAS BASED ON THE DEFINITION OF TRANSFER EFFECTS AS…

Studying worked examples and engaging in self-explanation are well supported strategies for developing self-regulated learning and improving student performance. Our efforts involve a design theory approach to creating a Web-based learning tool that uses the notion of a weekly quiz to draw students into an environment that supports the development…

VERBAL CUEING UNDER CONDITIONS COMPARABLE TO THE CLASSROOM WAS STUDIED TO TEST THE HYPOTHESES THAT THE SPECIFICITY OF VERBAL CUES DURING TRAINING IS INVERSELY RELATED TO BREADTH OF TRANSFER OF THE ABILITY TO DISCOVER A PROBLEM SOLUTION IN THE ABSENCE OF CUES. THREE DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT, EACH UTILIZING 50 TO 150 CHILDREN AS…

Prompted learning and transfer were compared for mildly retarded (N=26), average achieving (N=15) and above average (N=15) children (ages 11 to 16 years). Subjects learned a problem solving strategy which utilized a graduated series of prompts. Retarded children required more assistance and more training to learn and transfer the trained strategy.…

Data were generally consistent with the view that preschoolers and elementary schoolers can respond to memory probes by applying arithmetical processing to running gist from recently solved problems. Discussed are two competing interpretations of the development of working memory: fuzzy-trace theory and the generic-resources hypothesis. (Author/RH)

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…

This study investigated several questions generated by cueing system research. The cueing system is perceived as a means of directing our categorizing behaviors in the processing and recall of information. Experiments involved a comparison of categorical cueing systems on a given task in relation to two control areas: (1) subjects using a free…

Ten- to thirteen-year-old children selected either the objectively more effective keyword method or the naturalistic context method for learning vocabulary meanings. Concludes that, even in the absence of explicit performance feedback, children can be induced to reflect on their use of strategies and their outcomes on subsequent cognitive actions.…