Learning from instructional explanations: Effects of prompts based on the active-constructive-interactive framework

Roelle J, Müller C, Roelle D, Berthold K. Learning from instructional explanations: Effects of prompts based on the active-constructive-interactive framework. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(4): e0124115.Although instructional explanations are commonly provided when learners are introduced to new content, they often fail because they are not integrated into effective learning activities. The recently introduced active-constructive-interactive framework posits an effectiveness hierarchy in which interactive learning activities are at the top; these are then followed by constructive and active learning activities, respectively. Against this background, we combined instructional explanations with different types of prompts that were designed to elicit these learning activities and tested the central predictions of the active-constructive-interactive framework. In Experiment 1, N = 83 students were randomly assigned to one of four combinations of instructional explanations and prompts. To test the active < constructive learning hypothesis, the learners received either (1) complete explanations and engaging prompts designed to elicit active activities or (2) explanations that were reduced by inferences and inference prompts designed to engage learners in constructing the withheld information. Furthermore, in order to explore how interactive learning activities can be elicited, we gave the learners who had difficulties in constructing the prompted inferences adapted remedial explanations with either (3) unspecific engaging prompts or (4) revision prompts. In support of the active < constructive learning hypothesis, we found that the learners who received reduced explanations and inference prompts outperformed the learners who received complete explanations and engaging prompts. Moreover, revision prompts were more effective in eliciting interactive learning activities than engaging prompts. In Experiment 2, N = 40 students were randomly assigned to either (1) a reduced explanations and inference prompts or (2) a reduced explanations and inference prompts plus adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts condition. In support of the constructive < interactive learning hypothesis, the learners who received adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts as add-ons to reduced explanations and inference prompts acquired more conceptual knowledge

How Did It Get So Late So Soon? The Effects of Time Management Knowledge and Practice on Students' Time Management Skills and Academic Performance

Time management is regarded as an important prerequisite for effective and efficient learning in higher education. However, university students' time management frequently proves to be deficient, especially with freshman students, who can therefore benefit from appropriate time management interventions. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an intervention focused on imparting time management knowledge with those of an intervention focused on time management practice. We conducted an experiment with N = 118 university students who took part in a course over the duration of one semester. Participants with a time management deficit at the beginning of the semester (n = 88) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: (a) time management knowledge, (b) time management practice, (c) control group. Exam scores at the end of the semester were considered as an indicator of participants' academic performance. The results showed significant time management improvements for both time management intervention groups, but the time management practice group appeared superior. Academic performance was better in the time management practice group also, although the results were inconsistent. The effect of time management practice on academic performance was mediated by students' time management skills

Test-Based Learning: Inconsistent Effects Between Higher- and Lower-Level Test Questions

Roelle J, Roelle D, Berthold K. Test-Based Learning: Inconsistent Effects Between Higher- and Lower-Level Test Questions. The Journal of Experimental Education. 2018;87(2):1-15

Learning from instructional explanations: effects of prompts based on the active-constructive-interactive framework.

Although instructional explanations are commonly provided when learners are introduced to new content, they often fail because they are not integrated into effective learning activities. The recently introduced active-constructive-interactive framework posits an effectiveness hierarchy in which interactive learning activities are at the top; these are then followed by constructive and active learning activities, respectively. Against this background, we combined instructional explanations with different types of prompts that were designed to elicit these learning activities and tested the central predictions of the active-constructive-interactive framework. In Experiment 1, N = 83 students were randomly assigned to one of four combinations of instructional explanations and prompts. To test the active < constructive learning hypothesis, the learners received either (1) complete explanations and engaging prompts designed to elicit active activities or (2) explanations that were reduced by inferences and inference prompts designed to engage learners in constructing the withheld information. Furthermore, in order to explore how interactive learning activities can be elicited, we gave the learners who had difficulties in constructing the prompted inferences adapted remedial explanations with either (3) unspecific engaging prompts or (4) revision prompts. In support of the active < constructive learning hypothesis, we found that the learners who received reduced explanations and inference prompts outperformed the learners who received complete explanations and engaging prompts. Moreover, revision prompts were more effective in eliciting interactive learning activities than engaging prompts. In Experiment 2, N = 40 students were randomly assigned to either (1) a reduced explanations and inference prompts or (2) a reduced explanations and inference prompts plus adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts condition. In support of the constructive < interactive learning hypothesis, the learners who received adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts as add-ons to reduced explanations and inference prompts acquired more conceptual knowledge

Posttest answers that correspond to the six levels of the rating scale (translated from German).

<p>Posttest answers that correspond to the six levels of the rating scale (translated from German).</p

Results of the mediation analyses in Experiment 1.

<p>Results of the mediation analyses in Experiment 1.</p

Screenshot of a rapid verification task (translated from German).

<p>Screenshot of a rapid verification task (translated from German).</p

Means and (standard deviations) of the pretest, posttest, and learning activity measures in the two experimental conditions of Experiment 2.

<p>Means and (standard deviations) of the pretest, posttest, and learning activity measures in the two experimental conditions of Experiment 2.</p

Screenshot of a reduced introductory instructional explanation with inference prompt (translated from German).

<p>Screenshot of a reduced introductory instructional explanation with inference prompt (translated from German).</p