Online learning: Learner characteristics and their approaches to managing learning

Using cluster analysis this study investigated the characteristics of learning strategies learners use in online courses with one-on-one mentoring. Three distinct approaches were identified: “Mastery oriented”, “Task focused” and “Minimalist in effort”. Despite the widespread concern that students will have difficulty managing their time in online courses with high level of student freedom, this study found that the vast majority of learners were very effective in their learning strategies. The findings speak well for the potential of distance education environments to provide high quality self-paced learning, accommodating different learning strategies, which is difficult to do in group-paced courses. We further explored how these approaches relate to and interact with, participants’ background and their levels of satisfaction and self reported learning.     

论语言自主学习能力的培养

随着元认知策略研究的兴起,自主学习开始受到广大教育者的关注,学习自主性也被看作是语言学习过程中的先决条件,教学过程中的责任也越来越多地从教师转向学生,教师更多的责任是培养学生的学习自主性.本文论述了学习自主性的概念、特点、以及影响学习自主性的主要因素,并介绍了如何培养学生的自主学习能力的若干策略.     

Learner preferences and prior knowledge in learner-controlled computer-based instruction

This study examined the effects of prior knowledge, learner preference for control, and type of control (learner or program) on the achievement of middle-school students in a computer-based instructional program on adding and subtracting integers. Students were blocked by preference-for-control scores and randomly assigned to either a learner-control or program-control version of instruction. A significant three-way interaction (prior knowledge × preference scores × type of control) revealed that students with high prior knowledge achieved better on the posttest when their preference for control was matched with the type of control they received, whereas students with low prior knowledge achieved better when their preference was mismatched. A significant three-way interaction on attitude reflected the same pattern found in the interaction for achievement scores. The overall results indicate that matching learner preference to the type of program they receive is an effective strategy for high-prior-knowledge students but not for those with low prior knowledge.

The impact of learner characteristics on information utilization strategies, cognitive load experienced, and performance in hypermedia learning

Against the background of an adaptation of Cognitive Load Theory to learner-controlled settings we investigated the impact of learner characteristics on information utilization strategies, cognitive load, and learning outcomes in a hypermedia environment. Based on the data of 79 students, five clusters of students were identified according to their learner characteristics by means of a cluster analysis. Further analyses showed that learners with more favorable characteristics (i.e., higher prior knowledge, more complex epistemological beliefs, more positive attitudes towards mathematics, better cognitive and metacognitive strategy use) tended to show a more adaptive example utilization behavior, reported less cognitive load, and solved more problems correctly than learners with less favorable characteristics.     

The Reflections of a Distance Learner 1977-1997

This paper explores one student's personal experience of the evolution of distance learning in the UK between 1977 and 1997. Reflecting on his experience, the author discusses the growth in opportunities available to the learner as more and more providers have entered the field; the changes in the nature of learning materials; differences in the assessment strategies adopted by the four different providers he studied with, and in learner support; and the extent to which the different providers exhibited degrees of openness. Based on this personal experience, the author discusses the changes that have taken place over 20 years: the increasing consumerism of the sector; the changes in the nature of the providers' response to the market, and in the nature of distance learners; and changes in the underpinning technology.     

The Use of Additional Information in Problem-Oriented Learning Environments

Self-directed learning with authentic and complex problems (problem-oriented learning) requires that learners observe their own learning and use additional information when it is appropriate (e.g. hypertextual information in computer-supported learning environments). Research results indicate that learners in problem-oriented learning environments often have difficulties using additional information adequately, and that they should be supported. Two studies with a computer-supported problem-oriented learning environment in the domain of medicine analysed the effects of strategy instruction on the use of additional information and the quality of the problem representation. In Study 1, an expert model was used for strategy instruction. Two groups were compared: one group with strategy modelling and one group without. Strategy modelling influenced the frequency of looked-up hypertextual information, but did not influence the quality of learners' problem representations. This could be explained by difficulties in applying the general hypertext information to the problem. In Study 2, the additional information was presented in a more contextualised way as graphical representation of the case and its relevant concepts. Again, two groups were compared: one with a strategy instruction text and one without. Strategy instruction texts supported an adequate use of this graphical information by learners and had an effect on the quality of their problem representations. These findings are discussed with respect to the design of additional help systems in problem-oriented learning environments. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

大学英语课堂学生沉默现象的实证研究

大学英语课堂沉默现象是一个普遍问题。本研究以问卷调查、访谈和课堂观察等方式,从传统文化影响、学生性别和个性差异以及教师的教学方式等方面入手,分析产生这种现象的原因,并提出打破课堂沉默的教学策略,以提高大学英语课堂教学质量。     

我国终身学习现状的省思——基于南京市的调查

面对知识经济加快发展以及全球化的挑战,终身学习成为关系我国发展的重大战略任务。本文通过对南京市终身学习现状的调查,分析我国终身学习存在的问题,并提出促进我国终身学习的策略。     

成人经验学习的障碍与调控策略

与儿童相比,成人的特点是有丰富的生活经验积累。这些经验可以帮助成人进行学习,同时,也可以成为学习中的阻碍。因此,有必要对成人经验学习的障碍及调控策略进行探讨。     

Learner vs. System Control in Using Online Support for Simulation-based Discovery Learning

Learning in discovery environments, such as simulations, requires both planning and complex inference processing from learners. Studies evaluating simulations learning have indicated that, without added instructional support, simulation learning knowledge gains are disappointing and/or unclear. With regard to the problems that learners could encounter, we feel, on the one hand, that learners should be supported in their discovery processes whenever possible. On the other hand, we believe that learners' own responsibility in the learning process should be emphasised. The discovery environment in the present study is called CIRCUIT, in which the behaviour of current and voltage sources in electrical circuits is simulated. CIRCUIT includes three main types of instructional support: model progression, assignments, and explanations. Two experimental conditions were created. Although these conditions were similar with respect to the support, they differed with respect to the amount of freedom given to the subjects. That is, the first group of subjects was free to choose their own sequence exploring the simulation environment. In the second group, the sequence was largely controlled by the environment. In determining the instructional value of the interaction, special attention is paid to acquiring intuitive knowledge as compared to definitional knowledge. The evaluation followed a pretest-posttest design. Results showed no gain in definitional knowledge but a gain in intuitive knowledge. No major differences between the experimental groups were detected in the posttest results or in the interaction processes, a cognitive load measure, and the subjective ratings. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

行动控制理论及其在教育中的应用

行动控制即指意志力,它在学生的学习过程中扮演着重要的角色。通过对行动控制理论及相关研究的分析,有助于厘清行动控制理论的学习观,明确行动控制理论在教育中应用的可行性;通过把握行动控制的干预训练,以此加深对学习过程的认识,有助于深入理解学习的本质,为有效引导学生的学习、培养其意志力提供理论指导。     

清华大学大一学生词汇学习观念与策略调查

近年来 ,国内外二语词汇习得领域的研究有了更多、更快的发展。受这些研究的启发 ,作者通过问卷 ,运用统计分析的方法 ,调查了清华大学非英语专业 2 0 3名大一学生对英语词汇学习的观念以及策略使用的情况。在此调查结果的基础上 ,作者对词汇知识教学以及词汇学习策略训练提出了一些建议     

网络教学环境中学习者特征分析的新构想

在网络教学环境中产生有效的网络学习不仅依赖于学习材料的内容,更重要的是依赖于学习环境和过程与学习者个体特征的匹配程度。学习者的三个主要特征变量,即学习者的基于网络的自主学习能力、学习风格和学习动机等,会对网络学习的质量产生重要影响。     

Information comparisons in example-based hypermedia environments: supporting learners with processing prompts and an interactive comparison tool

Global comparisons of learning from hypertext/hypermedia and traditional presentation formats like text have yet failed to show major advantages concerning the effectiveness of hypermedia learning. Thus, it is proposed in the current paper to evaluate hypermedia environments more specifically with regard to their potential to implement and support well-defined learning approaches. According to this view, an effective hypermedia design needs to be based on thorough cognitive task analyses with regard to structures, processes, and resources that are required to benefit from a specific learning approach. This claim is illustrated by two experiments in which we explored the instructional potential of hypermedia environments for improving schema acquisition from worked-out examples. A cognitive task analysis was used to identify specific types of information comparisons that are crucial for successful schema induction and that might be effectively supported by suitably designed hypermedia environments. The experiments investigated two methods for enhancing comparison processes in hypermedia-assisted learning from worked-out examples, namely, elaboration prompts and an interactive comparison tool. Both methods improved performance for near-transfer problems. Ways of extending this task-analytical approach to facilitating far transfer are also discussed.

中职新教师提高课堂掌控力的策略探究

中职新教师在课堂教学过程中经常会出现一些问题,这些问题必须引起重视。中职新教师应在调整自身教学观念、完善课堂教学不足的基础上,提高课堂掌控力,以提高课堂教学效果。文章结合相关调研及教学实践,对中职新教师容易出现的问题,以及中职新教师提高课堂掌控力的策略和技巧进行探讨。     

Using Hypermedia for Learning Complex Concepts in Chemistry: A Qualitative Study on the Relationship Between Prior Knowledge, Beliefs, and Motivation

This paper reports the results of a qualitative study on the process of learning complex concepts in chemistry by four students as they worked with FLiPS (Flexible Learning in the Periodic System), a cognitive flexibility multi-media hypertext for learning about the periodic system of elements. A wide range of probes (think-alouds; navigation logs; observational notes, interviews; pre- and post-tests; epistemic beliefs survey; and background questionnaire) produced a rich data set for analysis. This data was analyzed to construct rich narrative case- and cross-case narratives of the participants' process of working and learning in this complex hypertext environment. This multi-level analysis offers insight both into the fine-grained process of use as well as the larger issues of the pedagogical significance of FLiPS. Our analysis reveals a complex relationship between epistemic beliefs, student motivation, prior knowledge, and process of learning from hypertext. We offer implications for future research, design and the application of pedagogical hypertexts. Requests for reprints should be sent to Punya Mishra, Learning, Technology, and Culture Program, Michigan State University, 509A Erickson Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824. E-mail: punya@msu.edu     

对我国近十年外语学习策略研究的调查和展望

本文通过对近十年发表于国内期刊上的外语学习策略文献的研究,回顾和总结了我国外语学习策略研究的主要成果,指出目前该领域研究中存在的不足,并展望今后研究发展的趋势。     

成人英语学习特点及教学策略探讨

本文从生理、心理及认知方式等方面分析成人英语学习的特点,并针对成人的实际情况提出了一些有益的教学策略,以促进成人英语教学的发展。     

新时期大学生心理问题的主要表征及应对措施

大学生心理健康教育是高等教育的重要内容，事关高等学校人才培养工作的成败。大学生心理问题呈明显上升趋势，大学生因心理疾病、精神障碍等原因不惜伤害自己和他人的案例时有发生，给社会、学校及学生家庭带来了极大影响。学校通过开展大学生心理健康教育等多种方式，可以有计划、有目的地促进大学生的心理发展，形成大学生积极、完整的健康观念。提升大学生的心理健康水平。