Showing papers by "Alexander Renkl published in 2012"

Learning Strategies Assessed by Journal Writing: Prediction of Learning Outcomes by Quantity, Quality, and Combinations of Learning Strategies

Abstract: Recently, there have been efforts to rethink assessment. Instead of informing about (relatively stable) learner characteristics, assessment should assist instruction by looking at the learning process, facilitating feedback about what students' next step in learning could be. Similarly, new forms of strategy assessment aim at capturing self-regulated learning as it happens. One potential method for such assessment is the learning journal. We analyzed whether (a) quantity and (b) quality of learning strategies assessed by learning journals predict learning outcomes, and (c) whether differently successful combinations of strategies can be identified. In Study 1, 9th graders of medium-track high schools (N = 236) wrote learning journals in mathematics during 6 weeks. Foremost, quality and quantity of cognitive strategies predicted learning outcomes, controlling for prior knowledge. Learners who combined cognitive plus metacognitive strategies were particularly successful. Learners who mainly used 1 type of strategy performed similarly poorly as did learners who hardly used strategies. Study 2 in the domain of biology learning (N = 144) essentially replicated these findings. In summary, learning journals are a useful and innovative method for assessing learning strategies.

Learning from Narrated Animations with Different Support Procedures: Working Memory Capacity Matters

Abstract: Summary The present experiment tested the effects of cueing (spotlights) and of verbal instructions in narrated animations on learning outcomes as well as potential moderator effects of working memory capacity (WMC). We found that the spotlight group dwelled longer on parts that were in the focus of the narration than a no-support group (control group). Despite higher levels of experienced difficulties, the no-support group had higher learning outcomes. More importantly, we found an aptitude–treatment interaction: Students with low WMC were impeded by verbal instruction, whereas students with high WMC were impeded by spotlights. Mediation analyses showed that spotlights increased attention to the focus of the narration that fostered learning outcomes but did not lead to better learning outcomes. Our findings suggest that further research on support procedures for animations should (i) take WMC into account, (ii) consider possible negative side effects, and (iii) address processes that mediate the effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.