Cognitive consequences of microcomputer-based laboratories: Graphing skills development

Marcia C. Linn*, John W. Layman, Rafi Nachmias

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microcomputers with appropriate graph-generating and input devices such as temperature and light measuring probes enable science students to learn functional relationships of physical phenomena. The graph displays in microcomputer-based laboratories are generated in real time and thus permit learners to comprehend the underlying principle of the laboratory lesson without the delays that the conventional, piecemeal, manual graphing methods entail. Instruction designed from an analysis called a "chain of cognitive accomplishments" enables designers to define an ideal sequence of learner cognitive accomplishments for use in computer-based instruction design. Such ideal sequences lead to improved learning and enable researchers to characterize existing classes and predict student performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)244-253
Number of pages10
JournalContemporary Educational Psychology
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1987
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Science FoundationMDR 8470 514

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