Effects of cueing and collaboration on the acquisition of complex legal skills

Abstract

Hummel, H. G. K., Paas, F., & Koper, R. (2006). Effects of cueing and collaboration on the Acquisition of Complex Legal Skills. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 76(3), 613-632. [Also availabe at http://hdl.handle.net/1820/482]This study examines the effects of cueing and collaboration on training outcomes and transfer pleas, and on cognitive activity during collaboration, by combining a multimedia practical with cueing and small-group collaboration with peer feedback to support the complex task of preparing a plea in court. Results reveal that both cueing and collaboration positively influence training outcomes, with participants without cueing benefiting most from additional collaboration. Transfer plea scores reveal a positive effect of collaboration but a negative effect of cueing. Analysis of discussions during small-group collaboration reveals a negative effect of cueing on the level of cognitive activity. The theoretical and practical implications for combining cueing and small-group collaboration to support the acquisition of complex skills are discussed