Public Understanding of Cognitive Neuroscience Research Findings: Trying to Peer Beyond Enchanted Glass

This article considers the appeal of cognitive neuroscience research to the general public within the context of the deep puzzles involved in using our minds to understand how our minds work. It offers a few promising examples of findings that illuminate the ways of the mind and reveal these workings to be counter‐intuitive with our subjective experience. However, this promise is tempered by the powerful role that perception, attention, and cognition play in how we reason about evidence. It argues that the interplay between what we believe about the nature of our minds and what the findings suggest constitutes a primary challenge in encouraging public understanding of cognitive neuroscience findings.     

Emotion and cognition: an intricately bound developmental process

Regulatory aspects of development can best be understood by research that conceptualizes relations between cognition and emotion. The neural mechanisms associated with regulatory processes may be the same as those associated with higher order cognitive processes. Thus, from a developmental cognitive neuroscience perspective, emotion and cognition are dynamically linked and work together to process information and execute action. This article highlights the authors' recent efforts at integrating emotion regulation and cognitive processing during the first year of life by focusing on the methodological criteria outlined by Cole, Martin, and Dennis (this issue), and it discusses the idea that emotion and cognition are an intricately bound developmental process.     

基于数学问题解决的模式识别研究述评

数学问题解决中的模式识别的研究视角,可以分为基于数学解题认知过程与解题策略角度、基于"归类"的视角、基于数学问题解决中模式识别与其他因素的关系的视角等,具体研究领域涉及几何解题中的视觉模式识别、几何问题解决中的模式识别、解代数应用题的认知模式、数学建模中的模式识别等.由于在知觉领域与问题解决领域"模式识别"的表述存在一定的混乱性,将基于数学问题解决的模式识别界定为:当主体接触到数学问题后,与自己认知结构中的某数学问题图式相匹配的思维与认知过程.并进一步通过其与"归类"的区别与联系、与"化归"的区别与联系使"基于数学问题解决的模式识别"的概念得以澄清.在范围上,把问题解决中的模式识别界定为一种思维过程的阶段或者思维策略,认为它是解题的重要组成部分,但并不是解题的全部.对于未来的展望,期望系统的理论研究、期望对学生问题解决中模式识别的认知过程与机理的实质性的研究以及对学生问题解决中模式识别的教学实验研究.     

The Cognitive-Situative Divide and the Problem of Conceptual Change

In this article we argue that both the cognitive and situative perspectives need to be modified to account for the empirical evidence on learning, taking as a central example the problem of knowledge transfer. Our proposal is that we need an approach that takes as a unit of analysis the individual in a constructive interaction with the world through a variety of mediated symbolic structures, some internal and some external, in rich sociocultural settings. This should be done without denying that knowledge can be represented in some form in the memory system. While internal mental structures are acceptable in this framework, concepts should not be seen as stable and unchanging but, rather, as flexible, malleable, and distributed. To explain conceptual change, we should allow for the possibility that what is already known can be radically restructured and that new, qualitative different structures emerge. Teaching for conceptual change, we argue, should utilize but cannot solely rely on cognitive apprenticeship types of methods. Attention must be paid to the appropriate design of curricula and to the acquisition of subject matter knowledge, together with the development of instructional methods that utilize socio-cultural processes, like classroom discussion, to develop students' metaconceptual awareness and the ability to engage in intentional learning.     

Syntax and Meaning as Sensuous, Visual, Historical forms of Algebraic Thinking

Before the advent of symbolism, i.e. before the end of the 16th Century, algebraic calculations were made using natural language. Through a kind of metaphorical process, a few terms from everyday life (e.g. thing, root) acquired a technical mathematical status and constituted the specialized language of algebra. The introduction of letters and other symbols (e.g. “+”, “=”) made it possible to achieve what is considered one of the greatest cultural accomplishments in human history, namely, the constitution of a symbolic algebraic language and the concomitant rise of symbolic thinking. Because of their profound historical ties with natural language, the emerging syntax and meanings of symbolic algebraic language were marked in a definite way by the syntax and meanings of the former. However, at a certain point, these ties were loosened and algebraic symbolism became a language in its own right. Without alluding to the theory of recapitulation, in this paper, we travel back and forth from history to the present to explore key passages in the constitution of the syntax and meanings of symbolic algebraic language. A contextual semiotic analysis of the use of algebraic terms in 9th century Arabic as well as in contemporary students' mathematical activity, sheds some light on the conceptual challenges posed by the learning of algebra.     

Understanding Reading Anxiety: New Insights from Neuroscience

Recent advances in research have furthered understanding of the many roles that emotions play in fostering effective learning. This editorial argues, against fashion, that the affective domain is neither separate from nor less significant in the learning process than the cognitive domain. It begins with a vignette of a struggling reader. It then defines emotions and explains their role in learning, using cognitive psychology and neuroscience as the research base. Next, it examines the influence of the affective domain on learning to interpret symbols. The editorial concludes with an analysis of reading anxiety and recommendations for practice.     

Activity theory as a framework for designing constructivist learning environments

The epistemic assumptions of constructive learning are different from those of traditional instruction, so classical methods of needs and task analysis are inappropriate for designing constructivist learning environments (CLEs). This paper argues that activity theory provides an appropriate framework for analyzing needs, tasks, and outcomes for designing CLEs. Activity theory is a socio-cultural, socio-historical lens through which designers can analyze human activity systems. It focuses on the interaction of human activity and consciousness within its relevant environmental context. Since conscious learning emerges from activity (performance), not as a precursor to it, CLEs should attempt to replicate the activity structures, tools and sign systems, socio-cultural rules, and community expectations that performers must accommodate while acting on some object of learning. After explicating assumptions of activity theory and briefly describing the components of CLEs, this paper describes a process for using activity theory as a framework for describing the components of an activity system that can be modeled in CLEs.His current research focuses on designing constructivist learning environments, cognitive tools for learning, knowledge representation methods, problem solving, computer-supported collaborative argumentation, cognitive task analysis, and individual differences and learning.His current research focuses on designing constructivist learning environments, cognitive tools for learning, knowledge representation methods, problem solving, computer-supported collaborative argumentation, cognitive task analysis, and individual differences and learning.Her research interests include activity theory and structural knowledge.     

THEORY,METHOD AND PRACTICE OF NEUROSCIENTIFIC FINDINGS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION

This report provides an overview of neuroscience research that is applicable for science educators. It first offers a brief analysis of empirical studies in educational neuroscience literature, followed by six science concept learning constructs based on the whole brain theory: gaining an understanding of brain function; pattern recognition and consciousness; mind maps, mnemonics and other learning devices; concrete multisensory experience; higher-order creative reasoning via a multimedia-infused environment and positive emotion in educational settings. It is vital to the future of results-based education that discoveries regarding the cognitive learning process are taken into consideration when designing instruction. This research offers science educators neuroscience-backed information as a foundation to develop results-oriented curricula and teaching methods. Future research could further extend an empirically driven education system.     

从教育新行为主义到神经科学：以认知负荷研究的起源与未来为视角

在美国心理学的发展历史上,认知负荷理论的发展长期以来一直受到来自行为主义理论的抑制。行为主义注重强化学习动机和强调学习的简单形式,凸显出越来越明显的研究局限,最终使得新行为主义者利用认知理论来研究复杂的学习问题。认知负荷理论虽然为教学设计与教学实践提供了具体而系统的教学方法,但也存在认知负荷如何测量、相关负荷与外在负荷的来源如何确定的问题。神经科学关于心理负荷与瞳孔放大的研究,以及对监测认知负荷变化的成像方法的研究为解决这些问题提供了思路和实验证据。具体而言．瞳孔放大与血管收缩可以作为心理负荷测量的标准和替代方法;借助于神经科学和生物科学的脑成像方法（如事件相关电位（ERPs）、功能性磁共振成像（fMRI）等）能够揭示大脑工作记忆的基本过程,记录大脑活动的差异,甄别大脑加工活动的模式。在未来,研究者应保持一种开放的心态来看待认知心理学和神经科学在过去与未来取得的进步,并谨慎地应用各种神经科学研究方法来深入地研究作为认知负荷基础的神经和认知机制。我们的最终目标是寻找一个能在认知心理学和神经科学之间架起桥梁的统一理论。     

Mind, Brain, and Literacy: Biomarkers as Usable Knowledge for Education

Neuroscience has the potential to make some very exciting contributions to education and pedagogy. However, it is important to ask whether the insights from neuroscience studies can provide "usable knowledge" for educators. With respect to literacy, for example, current neuroimaging methods allow us to ask research questions about how the brain develops networks of neurons specialized for the act of reading and how literacy is organized in the brain of a reader with developmental dyslexia. Yet quite how these findings can translate to the classroom remains unclear. One of the most exciting possibilities is that neuroscience could deliver "biomarkers" that could identify children with learning difficulties very early in development. In this review, I will illustrate how the field of mind, brain, and education might develop biomarkers by combining educational, cognitive, and neuroscience research paradigms. I will argue that all three kinds of research are necessary to provide usable knowledge for education.     

Problem solving strategies and mathematical resources: A longitudinal view on problem solving in a function based approach to algebra

This study is an attempt to analyze students' construction of function based problem solving methods in introductory algebra. It claims that for functions to be a main concept for learning school algebra, a complex process that has to be developed during a long period of learning must take place. The article describes a longitudinal observation of a pair of students that studied algebra for 3 years using a function approach, including intensive use of graphing technology. Such a long observation is difficult to carry out and even more difficult to report. We watched for three years classrooms using the ‘Visual-Math’ sequence, and sampled students that exhibited various levels of mathematics achievement. The analysis method presented here is a non-standard case study of a pair of lower achievers students and their work is often juxtaposed to the work of other pairs participating in the study. The students' attempts to solve a linear break-even problem is analyzed along three interviews which present the development of the use of mathematical resources and the patterns of problem solving at different learning phases. Beyond describing solving attempts, the article offers terms for describing and explaining what and how do learners appreciate and make out of solving introductory school algebra problems over a three years course. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Revitalizing Algebra: the effect of the use of a cognitive tutor in a remedial course

This study investigated the effect of instruction with a cognitive tutoring software system in a remedial algebra course. The performance on algebra tasks of students who attended the experimental (cognitive tutor) and a control class was compared. The results indicated that the two groups of students were equally proficient with respect to algebraic manipulation skills. However, students who attended the experimental algebra section performed significantly better in problem solving than students in the control section. This finding suggested that the use of the cognitive tutor (a) improved students' problem‐solving abilities; (b) fostered student development of richer concepts of variable and function; and (c) improved students' procedural abilities in approaching and carrying through mathematical analyses of relatively complex situations.     

Neurophilia: Guiding Educational Research and the Educational Field?

For a decade or so there has been a new ‘hype’ in educational research: it is called educational neuroscience or even neuroeducation (and neuroethics)—there are numerous publications, special journals, and an abundance of research projects together with the advertisement of many positions at renowned research centres worldwide. After a brief introduction of what is going on in the ‘emerging sub‐discipline’, a number of characterisations are offered of what is envisaged by authors working in this field. In the discussion that follows various problems are listed: the assumption that ‘visual proof’ of brain activity is supposedly given; the correlational nature of this kind of research; the nature of the concepts that are used; the lack of addressing and possibly influencing the neurological mechanism; and finally the need for other insights in educational contexts. Following Bakhurst and others, a number of crucially relevant philosophical issues are highlighted. It is argued that though there are cases where neuroscience insights may be helpful, these are scarce. In general, it is concluded, not a lot may be expected from this discipline for education and educational research. A reminder is offered that the promise of neurophilia may be just another neuromyth, which needs to be addressed by philosophy and education.     

Bilingualism and symbolic abstraction: Implications for algebra learning

Much of the research on bilingualism and math learning focuses on the potential challenges that bilinguals and language learners may face. The current line of research took an alternative approach and explored whether a bilingual advantage may emerge for a novel algebraic problem solving task that requires symbolic thought, the Symbol Math task. No differences were seen between bilingual and monolingual samples on basic math or executive control tasks; however, a bilingual advantage was seen in performance on the Symbol Math task across two experiments. The results suggest that bilingualism may improve the ability to engage in more abstract or symbolic thought processes, which may have important implications for algebra learning.     

Learning as Problem Design Versus Problem Solving: Making the Connection Between Cognitive Neuroscience Research and Educational Practice

ABSTRACT— How can current findings in neuroscience help educators identify particular cognitive strengths in students? In this commentary on Immordino‐Yang’s research regarding Nico and Brooke, I make 3 primary assertions: (a) the cognitive science community needs to develop an accessible language and mode of communicating applicable research to educators, (b) educators need proper professional development in order to understand and relate current research findings to practice in the classroom, and (c) the specific research on Nico and Brooke clearly suggests that educators need to rethink the classroom as a place not of problem solving but rather problem design in order to further understand and use the cognitive strengths of each individual student.     

Algebra slaves and agents in a Logo-based mathematics curriculum

For many students the ideas and methods of algebra appear obscure and mysterious, their sense and purpose unclear, and their applicability to anything genuinely real or interesting very remote. Students often fail to acquire an understanding of the key concepts, despite their inherent simplicity. Even when they gain the notion of variables, expressions and equations, students often lack the strategic knowledge required to motivate and direct the global planning and detailed execution of an attack on a problem. These conceptual and strategic difficulties are compounded by the needs for precise performance of the arithmetic and symbolic operations required in manipulating expressions. Extended operations like subtracting an expression from both sides of an equation or expanding a product of three terms, are very difficult for beginning students. Their buggy performance in carrying out the detailed manipulative work greatly confounds and frustrates their acquisition and assimilation of the most important and central ideas.In an effort to confront these difficulties and show how they can be overcome, we are developing a Logo-based introductory algebra course for sixth graders. Our approach has three major components: work on Logo programming projects in algebraically rich contexts whose content is meaning ful and compelling to students, the use of algebra microworlds with concrete iconic representations of formal objects and operations, and the introduction of the algebra workbench, an expert instructional system to aid students in performing extended algebraic operations.The algebra workbench will employ a set of powerful symbolic manipulation tools for performing the standard manipulations of high school algebra. It will have two main modes of use: demonstration mode, which uses an expert tutor program to solve algebra problems incrementally, explaining its strategy and its step by step operations in straightforward terms along the way; and practice mode, in which the student tries to solve a problem with the assistance of the tutor, which performs the operations requested by the student at each step and which can be called at any point to advise the student of the correctness of a step, to perform or explain any step, to evaluate the student's solution, or to perform a problem that she poses.These powerful aids make it possible to effectively separate out the difficulties in performing the formal and manipulative aspects of algebra work from those encountered in learning the central conceptual and strategic content. Distinctly different kinds of instructional tools and activities-Logo programming, expert tutors, or algebra microworlds-can thus be brought to bear where each is most appropriate and effective.     

The Educational Relevance of Research in Cognitive Neuroscience

The benefits of incorporating findings from cognitive neuroscience into the field of educational psychology are considered. The first section begins with arguments against the idea that one can ignore the brain when positing a model of student learning or motivation. The second section describes limitations in the methods used to reveal brain-cognition relations. In the third section, properties of the brain and brain development are described. The fourth section summarizes the cognitive neuroscientific research on attention, memory, reading, and math. Finally, areas of future research in cognitive neuroscience are suggested that would help answer important questions about individual and developmental differences in student learning.