Applying science of learning in education: Infusing psychological science into the curriculum

The field of specialization known as the science of learning is not, in fact, one field. Science of learning is a term that serves as an umbrella for many lines of research, theory, and application. A term with an even wider reach is Learning Sciences (Sawyer, 2006). The present book represents a sliver, albeit a substantial one, of the scholarship on the science of learning and its application in educational settings (Science of Instruction, Mayer 2011). Although much, but not all, of what is presented in this book is focused on learning in college and university settings, teachers of all academic levels may find the recommendations made by chapter authors of service. The overarching theme of this book is on the interplay between the science of learning, the science of instruction, and the science of assessment (Mayer, 2011). The science of learning is a systematic and empirical approach to understanding how people learn. More formally, Mayer (2011) defined the science of learning as the “scientific study of how people learn” (p. 3). The science of instruction (Mayer 2011), informed in part by the science of learning, is also on display throughout the book. Mayer defined the science of instruction as the “scientific study of how to help people learn” (p. 3). Finally, the assessment of student learning (e.g., learning, remembering, transferring knowledge) during and after instruction helps us determine the effectiveness of our instructional methods. Mayer defined the science of assessment as the “scientific study of how to determine what people know” (p.3). Most of the research and applications presented in this book are completed within a science of learning framework. Researchers first conducted research to understand how people learn in certain controlled contexts (i.e., in the laboratory) and then they, or others, began to consider how these understandings could be applied in educational settings. Work on the cognitive load theory of learning, which is discussed in depth in several chapters of this book (e.g., Chew; Lee and Kalyuga; Mayer; Renkl), provides an excellent example that documents how science of learning has led to valuable work on the science of instruction. Most of the work described in this book is based on theory and research in cognitive psychology. We might have selected other topics (and, thus, other authors) that have their research base in behavior analysis, computational modeling and computer science, neuroscience, etc. We made the selections we did because the work of our authors ties together nicely and seemed to us to have direct applicability in academic settings

The role of pedagogical tools in active learning: a case for sense-making

Evidence from the research literature indicates that both audience response systems (ARS) and guided inquiry worksheets (GIW) can lead to greater student engagement, learning, and equity in the STEM classroom. We compare the use of these two tools in large enrollment STEM courses delivered in different contexts, one in biology and one in engineering. The instructors studied utilized each of the active learning tools differently. In the biology course, ARS questions were used mainly to check in with students and assess if they were correctly interpreting and understanding worksheet questions. The engineering course presented ARS questions that afforded students the opportunity to apply learned concepts to new scenarios towards improving students conceptual understanding. In the biology course, the GIWs were primarily used in stand-alone activities, and most of the information necessary for students to answer the questions was contained within the worksheet in a context that aligned with a disciplinary model. In the engineering course, the instructor intended for students to reference their lecture notes and rely on their conceptual knowledge of fundamental principles from the previous ARS class session in order to successfully answer the GIW questions. However, while their specific implementation structures and practices differed, both instructors used these tools to build towards the same basic disciplinary thinking and sense-making processes of conceptual reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and metacognitive thinking.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions based on metacognition and self-regulation in school-aged mathematics

Mathematics is an important gatekeeper for educational and professional opportunities and a useful tool for discovery and expression. Given previous research and theory demonstrating potential for metacognitive and self-regulated learning (MC/SRL) interventions to support mathematics achievement with diverse learners, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate their effectiveness within the years of general education, with pupils of ages three to 18. Appropriately-designed studies that were reported in English between 2005 and 2019 were included. Following a systematic search, with double-reviewing and expert consultation for consistency, 1,761 bibliographic items were screened, resulting in 60 included studies. Qualitative aspects of the designs, contexts, participants, and intervention activities were synthesised narratively. Posttest-only and adjusted, random effects meta-analyses were performed using a single mathematics achievement measure from each study. The results indicate a generally positive effect from the included interventions (combined Cohen’s d=0.46, SE=0.08, 95% CI=0.30 to 0.60). This represents a somewhat more modest effect compared with previous reviews in this area, possibly due to a greater range of included reports. No risk of publication bias was identified, reflecting the breadth and diversity of included studies, but efforts to mitigate heterogeneity were only partially successful. Interventions using structured problem-solving with metacognitive prompts were more effective than those not using it, while dissertations reported lower effects than journal articles. No differences were found based on participant age or intervention dose. Primary studies used a variety of assessments and differed on reporting of interventions and quality-related factors, and there remained substantial heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. Implications of this review for educational theory, research, and practice are discussed, with emphasis on reporting studies fully, using broad-scope, comparable assessments, and investing in comprehensive metacognitive and self-regulated learning interventions that can support lasting change in teaching and learning

The Individual and Social Complexities of Metacognition in Education-Based Learning

Metacognition, the knowledge and regulation of our cognitions, is an essential part of our learning. Metacognition has been linked to academic performance at all levels of education. Metacognitive skills, however, are likely to differ depending on that level. The current thesis aims to address four key questions. Firstly, how do metacognitive skills differ between undergraduate and postgraduate education? The metacognitive experiences and skills of 20 doctoral students were examined through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis indicated that, whilst doctoral students score above average on metacognitive skills questionnaires, doctoral students’ metacognitive development is influenced by peer interaction and environment. Considering the findings presented at postgraduate level, the second question addressed was what role does social context play in metacognition at undergraduate level? The relationship was measured using both experimental and self-report measures in a first-year undergraduate population. The findings suggested that first year students are not capable of working effectively with others. The lack of capability stems, in part, from normative beliefs suggesting that the participants’ peers think in a similar way to them. These relationships could also be due to individual differences, for example personality. The third question addressed, therefore, was do individual differences play a part in these relationships? Self-report measures of metacognition and personality were administered to undergraduates in all years of study. Correlational and moderation analyses indicated that conscientiousness plays a role in the implementation of metacognition in the later years of study. First-year performance, in comparison, was strongly related to extraversion, suggesting that the previous relationships found between social context and metacognition could potentially be impacted by a person’s personality. Finally, can we implement the information achieved here into an intervention to improve the metacognitive skills of secondary school students? An intervention designed to promote metacognitive skills in group contexts was implemented in a secondary school classroom of 20. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks. By the end of the intervention, analysis of Think Aloud Protocols indicated a marked difference in student’s problem-solving ability and their communication skills. Overall, the findings support the idea that metacognitive skills differ between levels and years of study. Yet, the role of social context and individual differences in metacognition could be key to improving academic performance at all levels of education

Self-regulation and computer based learning

In recent years, interest in self-regulated learning has risen considerably. While self-regulatory activities are controlled cognitively, they encompass more than the monitoring of cognitive activities. Motivational and emotional processes are also important in learning and they too need to be regulated. At the same time, multimedia computer programs and theInternet have come to play un important role in present day 's learning environments. The question therefore arises as to what extent these new technologies facilitate the acquisition and improvement of self-regulated learning strategies. In the present article, we first explore the field of self-regulated learning and then try to come up with un answer to the question posed.En los últimos años, el interés por el aprendizaje autorregulado se ha desarrollado considerablemente. Aunque las actividades autorreguladas son controladas cognitivamente, abarcan más que el control de las actividades cognitivas. Los procesos motivacionales y emocionales también son importantes en el aprendizaje y también requieren ser controlados. Al mismo tiempo los programas multimedia e Internet han logrado unpapel importante en los entornos de aprendizaje y se presenta la pregunta de si las nuevas tecnologías facilitan la adquisición y el perfeccionamiento de las estrategias autorregulativas. En este articulo exploramos primero el campo de aprendizaje autorregulado y después tratamos de dar una respuesta a la pregunta planteada

Investigating Developmental Trends in Metacognitive Knowledge with School-aged Children using Pupil Views Templates

This thesis explores developmental trends in metacognitive knowledge with school-aged children using Pupil Views Templates (PVTs). PVTs were developed in the mid 2000s to explore pupil views of learning. Informed by the findings of previous research, the empirical data collection used a more systematic and stratified sampling technique. A systematic review of tools and methods to measure or assess metacognition was included as a way of codifying PVTs. The systematic review makes an original contribution to both this study and the field; in a field as vast as metacognition it provides a valuable summary. The exploration of metacognitive knowledge is based on, but does not completely replicate, the pre-existing approach to coding PVTs. A rigorous examination of relevant literature rationalised and grounded the focus on metacognitive knowledge. This underscored ambiguity around defining metacognition, sub-divisions of it and crossover between these. Thus, the clarity of defining metacognition for and within this study was key. The mixed method approach to PVT analysis was distinctive in its application of traditional statistical analysis and emergent interpretivist methods including word clouds. Analysis confirmed the utility of PVTs as a means to explore metacognition in school-aged children. It supported the assertion that PVTs are a tool that can be used with a wide range of ages to explore metacognitive knowledge, including children as young as four years old. There was evidence of developmental trends in metacognitive knowledge and indications to support inextricable links between underlying cognitive skills and metacognition. This study also showed the importance of considering how metacognition is explored; including the definition of metacognition applied, how it is operationalised and then analysed. If a study does not have clear links between the concept, its measurement and outcomes; it becomes difficult to determine validity and subsequent value both within and for the field

An Exploration of ELL Teachers’ Conception of Metacognition and Its Use in Elementary School Classrooms

Metacognitive instruction and pedagogy have been linked to self-aware, independent, and successful learning. A particular student population that may benefit from a focus on metacognitive instruction are English Language Learners (ELL). This Q methodology study uses a mixed methods approach to examine the dominant viewpoints, beliefs, and opinions of ELL teachers on metacognition, metacognitive instruction, and pedagogy. Data were analyzed from 25 suburban New York public school ELL teachers located in Nassau and Suffolk counties concerning their beliefs regarding the metacognition, metacognitive instruction, and pedagogy. In addition, demographics, and exposure to metacognition as a topic were assessed using a baseline survey. This study identified and examined three Q models of shared viewpoints held by ELL teachers. Background characteristics were utilized to describe the clusters of ELL teachers. These characteristics consisted of: grades taught, education levels, certifications held, years of experience, and educational and professional exposure to metacognition as a topic. The three Q models revealed consensus in many areas of metacognition and metacognitive instruction, with some variation between the Q models. The three Q models that emerged were: Critical strategic thinking and reflection lead to ELL student self-awareness and independent learning; Explicit and deliberate planning model coupled with visual organizers; and Explicit monitoring and self-reflection coupled with visual organizers

A society of mind approach to cognition and metacognition in a cognitive architecture

This thesis investigates the concept of mind as a control system using the "Society of Agents" metaphor. "Society of Agents" describes collective behaviours of simple and intelligent agents. "Society of Mind" is more than a collection of task-oriented and deliberative agents; it is a powerful concept for mind research and can benefit from the use of metacognition. The aim is to develop a self configurable computational model using the concept of metacognition. A six tiered SMCA (Society of Mind Cognitive Architecture) control model is designed that relies on a society of agents operating using metrics associated with the principles of artificial economics in animal cognition. This research investigates the concept of metacognition as a powerful catalyst for control, unify and self-reflection. Metacognition is used on BDI models with respect to planning, reasoning, decision making, self reflection, problem solving, learning and the general process of cognition to improve performance.One perspective on how to develop metacognition in a SMCA model is based on the differentiation between metacognitive strategies and metacomponents or metacognitive aids. Metacognitive strategies denote activities such as metacomphrension (remedial action) and metamanagement (self management) and schema training (meaning full learning over cognitive structures). Metacomponents are aids for the representation of thoughts. To develop an efficient, intelligent and optimal agent through the use of metacognition requires the design of a multiple layered control model which includes simple to complex levels of agent action and behaviours. This SMCA model has designed and implemented for six layers which includes reflexive, reactive, deliberative (BDI), learning (Q-Ieamer), metacontrol and metacognition layers

Metacognition in Learning

Metacognition skills have been proven to have a positive relationship with learning. The strength of metacognition relies heavily on self-efficacy where a student understands his/her learning style, and the ability to use information gathered and align it with his/her learning style. In addition, knowing what you know and how you know it as a student plays a huge role in knowing what you do not know and linking it with what is close or relevant to it, that you know. It is about having skills and knowledge that empowers you to be an independent learner. Literature on classroom practices show a number of short-comings in diverse areas such as poor teacher knowledge, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of resources for learning. An independent student will strive under such an environment by studying independently, searching for resources, and finding multimodal ways of learning. It is also important to note that naturally, human beings are curious and want to learn in order to conquer their world. Hence, Piaget's work of intellectual autonomy cannot be ignored when exploring metacognition. If learning experiences were ideal and developmental, they would be no need to nurture metacognition. Unfortunately, the education systems remove students' curiosity by bringing fake environments into learning that impede creation and imagination. This book emphasises the power of metacognition at different levels of learning. It can be seen as a parallel intervention approach, with expanded knowledge on how to extend existing skills for young children, which is a pre-intervention. Authors in this book bring diverse viewpoints from diverse fields on how to nurture metacognition, thus giving the reader an opportunity to borrow strategies from other fields. This contribution is a mixture of empirical contributions and opinion pieces informed by review of literature

The impact of mathematics teaching efficacy on teachers’ pedagogical practices

This study explores the pedagogical practices of 167 Year 4 and 160 Year 8 New Zealand mathematics teachers who have different levels of mathematics teaching efficacy. Using data from the National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement 2013, the teacher questionnaire items believed to be the indicators of mathematics teaching efficacy were selected, represented by six items such as “I feel confident about teaching maths”. Then, low, mid, and high efficacious teachers were identified and compared to see how they differed with respect to their teaching profile and the frequency they used effective pedagogies when teaching mathematics (italicised below) (Anthony & Walshaw, 2007). Twenty eight percent of Year 4 and 41% of Year 8 teachers had high mathematics teaching efficacy. Compared with the other teachers, teachers with high mathematics teaching efficacy were better able to provide an ethic of care in their classroom, they more frequently arranged their classrooms for learning to enable students to collaborate, and more frequently expected their students to communicate their thinking and debate ideas with others. They more frequently provided students with worthwhile mathematical tasks, they more frequently provided opportunities for their students to build on their own thinking, and to explore how new learning linked to or changed what they already knew. They more frequently expected their students to make mathematical connections by reflecting on their learning, to use multiple representations, and use ideas and skills from different curriculum areas