Title
Enhancing Learning Outcomes In Computer-Based Training Via Self-Generated Elaboration
Keywords
Cognitive load; Instructional efficiency; Knowledge acquisition; Knowledge organization; Self-generated elaboration
Abstract
The present study investigated the utility of an instructional strategy known as the query method for enhancing learning outcomes in computer-based training. The query method involves an embedded guided, sentence generation task requiring elaboration of key concepts in the training material that encourages learners to ‘stop and think’ about the information already presented before proceeding to new concepts. This study also investigated the effect of varying the level of elaboration (low or high) prompted by the queries. Fifty-one undergraduate students from the general psychology department subject pool at a major university in the southeastern United States received instruction on the basic principles of flight via one of three versions of a computer-based tutorial (no query, low-level elaboration query, or high-level elaboration query). Participants had no prior knowledge or previous experience with the aviation domain. A one-way between-groups design was employed, with the query method serving as the independent variable and a sample size of 17 per condition. Dependent variables included knowledge organization, knowledge acquisition, and instructional efficiency. Overall, results showed that incorporating low-level elaboration queries into the training resulted in improved organization, integration, and application of task-relevant knowledge and higher instructional efficiency. High-level elaboration queries consistently failed to produce significantly better post-training outcomes, possibly due to the increased cognitive load imposed on learners during training. The discussion centers on theoretical and practical implications for promoting and assessing learning outcomes in computer-based training.
Publication Date
10-14-2014
Publication Title
Instructional Science
Volume
42
Issue
6
Number of Pages
839-859
Document Type
Article
Personal Identifier
scopus
DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-014-9315-8
Copyright Status
Unknown
Socpus ID
84919430504 (Scopus)
Source API URL
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84919430504
STARS Citation
Cuevas, Haydee M. and Fiore, Stephen M., "Enhancing Learning Outcomes In Computer-Based Training Via Self-Generated Elaboration" (2014). Scopus Export 2010-2014. 8122.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/scopus2010/8122