Cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and computer technology have advanced to the point where it is feasible build systems that are as effective intelligent human tutors. Computer tutors based on a set of pedagogical principles derived from ACT* theory cognition been developed for teaching students do proofs in geometry write programs language LISP.

Education policy faces a familiar public challenge: Local implementation is difficult. In this article we develop cognitive framework to characterize sense-making in the process that especially relevant for recent education initiatives, such as standards-based reforms press tremendous changes classroom instruction. From perspective, key dimension of whether, and what ways, implementing agents come understand their practice, potentially changing beliefs attitudes process. We draw on...

Abstract Modeling is a core practice in science and central part of scientific literacy. We present theoretical empirical motivation for learning progression modeling that aims to make the accessible meaningful learners. define as including elements (constructing, using, evaluating, revising models) metaknowledge guides motivates (e.g., understanding nature purpose models). Our includes two dimensions combine practice— models tools predicting explaining , change improves . describe levels...

The notion of scaffolding learners to help them succeed in solving problems otherwise too difficult for is an important idea that has extended into the design scaffolded software tools learners. However, although there a growing body work on tools, scaffold design, and impact scaffolding, field not yet converged common theoretical framework defines rationales approaches guide tools. In this article, we present addressing science inquiry. Developed through iterative cycles inductive...

Abstract There has been much interest in using software tools to scaffold learners complex tasks, that is, provide supports enable students deal with more content and skill demands than they could otherwise handle. Many different approaches scaffolding techniques have presented a broad range of tools. I argue two complementary mechanisms can explain how diversity act support learners. Software help structure the learning task, guiding through key components supporting their planning...

Four experiments demonstrated that more time is required to scan further distances across visual images, even when the same amount of material falls between initial focus point and target.Not only did times systematically increase with distance but subjectively larger images than smaller ones.Finally, subjects were not asked base all judgments on examination their an a target affect reaction times.Introspections about imagery very often include references "scanning" images.Kosslyn (1973)...

Abstract Science education reforms consistently maintain the goal that students develop an understanding of nature science, including both scientific knowledge and methods for making it. This paper articulates a framework scaffolding epistemic aspects inquiry can help understand processes in relation to kinds such produce. underlies design technology‐supported curriculum evolution natural selection focuses on constructing evaluating explanations phenomena. The has been refined through cycles...

Abstract Constructing scientific explanations and participating in argumentative discourse are seen as essential practices of inquiry (e.g., R. Driver, P. Newton, & J. Osborne, 2000). In this paper, we identify three goals engaging these related practices: (1) sensemaking, (2) articulating, (3) persuading. We propose using to understand student engagement with practices, design instructional interventions support students. Thus, use framework a lens investigate the question: What...

Abstract Recent research and policy documents call for engaging students teachers in scientific practices such that the goal of science education shifts from knowing epistemic ideas, to developing using these understandings as tools make sense world. This perspective pushes move beyond rote performance actions or processes engage instead purposeful knowledge construction work. raises parallel questions about how go characterizing student process understand their engagement a goal‐directed...

Abstract Reform efforts in science education emphasize the importance of rigorous treatment standards and use innovative pedagogical approaches to make more meaningful successful. In this paper, we present a learning‐goals‐driven design model for developing curriculum materials, which combines national project‐based approach. We describe our context Investigating Questioning World through Science Technology (IQWST) project, is three‐year coordinated series middle grades materials. From using...

Abstract Scientific argumentation is increasingly seen as a key inquiry practice for students in science classrooms. This complex that entails three overlapping, instructional goals: Participants articulate their understandings and work to persuade others of those order make sense the phenomenon under study (L. K. Berland & B. J. Reiser, 2009). examines argumentative discussions emerged two middle school classrooms explore variation how goals sensemaking persuasion were taken up. Our...

The vision of the Framework and NGSS requires important shifts in teaching approaches instructional materials. We argue that this commitment to engaging learners meaningful practice supporting students' epistemic agency entails we support coherence from perspective. This arises when students see their science work as making progress on questions problems classroom community has committed address, rather than simply following directions textbooks or teachers. present an model, storylines,...

There has been much debate about instructional strategies for computerized learning environments. Many of the arguments designed to choose between various philosophies have appealed, at least implicitly, behavior effective human teachers. In this article, we compare guidance and support offered by tutors with that intelligent tutoring systems. First, review research on in domains. Then investigate capabilities a widely used technique providing feedback, model tracing. Finally, contrast types...

Abstract In this article we apply a novel analytical framework to explore students' difficulties in understanding molecular genetics—a domain that is particularly challenging learn. Our posits reasoning genetics entails mapping across ontologically distinct levels—an information level containing the genetic information, and physical hierarchically organized biophysical entities such as proteins, cells, tissues, etc. This requires an of what specifies, how system mediate effects information....

Mechanistic reasoning, or reasoning systematically through underlying factors and relationships that give rise to phenomena, is a powerful thinking strategy allows one explain make predictions about phenomena. This article synthesizes builds on existing frameworks identify essential characteristics of students' mechanistic across scientific content areas. We argue these can be represented as epistemic heuristics, ideas how direct one's intellectual work, implicitly guide reasoning. use this...

Abstract Individualized instruction significantly improves students' pedagogical and motivational outcomes. In this article, we seek to characterize tutorial behaviors that could lead these benefits consider why actions should be pedagogically useful. This experiment examined university students learning LISP programming with the assistance of a tutor. Tutoring sessions were audiotaped, allowing u analyze every verbal utterance during thereby identify conversational events success. discourse...

Four experiments demonstrated that more time is required to scan further distances across visual images, even when the same amount of material falls between initial focus point and target.Not only did times systematically increase with distance but subjectively larger images than smaller ones.Finally, subjects were not asked base all judgments on examination their an a target affect reaction times.Introspections about imagery very often include references "scanning" images.Kosslyn (1973)...