Liesbeth Kester

Uncovering cognitive processes: Different techniques that can contribute to cognitive load research and instruction

This article discusses the use of different techniques for uncovering cognitive processes, for research and instructional purposes: verbal reporting, eye tracking, and concept mapping. It is argued here that applying these techniques in research inspired by cognitive load theory may increase our understanding of how and why well-known effects of instructional formats come about (e.g., split-attention, redundancy, or worked example effects) and refine or corroborate the proposed theoretical underpinnings of such effects. This knowledge can inform instructional design, and moreover, the effects of these techniques on learning can also be direct, by embedding the techniques in instruction.

Just-in-time information presentation and the acquisition of complex cognitive skills

This paper describes a model for just-in-time (JIT) presentation of information. Learners receive the information needed to carry out a task precisely at the time it is needed. The model is twofold: supportive information is best presented before practising task clusters while prerequisite information is best presented during practice on learning tasks. JIT supportive information presentation promotes schema construction through meaningful learning or elaboration. JIT prerequisite information presentation promotes schema automation through proceduralization or restricted encoding while learning the recurrent aspects of a task. It leads to a reduction in extraneous cognitive load because temporal split attention is avoided. This frees up cognitive capacity for learning the non-recurrent aspects of a complex cognitive skill and so enhances transfer performance. An exploratory, empirical study is described that supports our model. Implications for teaching and teacher training are discussed.

A Learner Support Model Based on Peer Tutor Selection

Van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P., Kester, L., Brouns, F., De Croock, M., Pannekeet, K., et al. (2008). A learner support model based on peer tutor selection. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 24(1), 74-86.

The Management of Cognitive Load During Complex Cognitive Skill Acquisition by Means of Computer-Simulated Problem Solving.

This study compared the effects of two information presentation formats on learning to solve problems in electrical circuits. In one condition, the split-source format, information relating to procedural aspects of the functioning of an electrical circuit was not integrated in a circuit diagram, while information in the integrated format condition was integrated in the circuit diagram. It was hypothesized that learners in the integrated format would achieve better test results than the learners in the split-source format. Equivalent-test problem and transfer-test problem performance were studied. Transfertest scores confirmed the hypothesis, though no differences were found on the equivalent-test scores.

Facilitating community building in learning networks through peer tutoring in ad hoc transient communities

Learning in a so-called Learning Network is particularly attractive to self-directed learners, who themselves decide on their learning programme as well as the timing, pace and place of their studies. However, such learners may easily become isolated, which is detrimental to their studies. Furthermore, supporting them in their studies rapidly leads to staff overload. This paper discusses ad hoc transient communities as a means of tackling both problems. Such communities are well poised to enhance the sociability of a Learning Network and increase learning effectiveness.

Knowledge matchmaking in Learning Networks: Alleviating the tutor load by mutually connecting Learning Network users

Tutors have only limited time to support the learning process. In this paper, we introduced a model that helps answer the questions of students. The model invoked the knowledge and skills of fellow students, who jointly formed an ad hoc, transient community. The paper situated the model within the context of a Learning Network, a self-organised, distributed system, designed to facilitate lifelong learning in a particular knowledge domain. We discussed the design of the model and explained how we selected and supported capable peers. Finally, we examined the calibration of the model and a simulation, which was intended to verify if the model is fit for use in experiments with students. The results indicate that, indeed, it is possible to identify and support capable peers efficiently and effectively.

Authenticity is in the eye of the beholder: student and teacher perceptions of assessment authenticity

In vocational education and training (VET) in the Netherlands, learning and working are integrated from the start. Authentic assessments are used during competence‐based VET curricula to achieve correspondence between learning and working. The premise behind this study is that authenticity is subjective and that perceptions of assessment authenticity influence student learning for the assessments. It examines whether students and teachers differ in their perceptions of the authenticity of various assessment characteristics. Subsequently this study investigates whether freshman and senior students, who differ in their amount of practical experience, differ in their perceptions of assessment authenticity. The main findings were that teachers rated most assessment characteristics as more authentic than students did, while freshman and senior students did not differ in their perception of authenticity. Implications deal with communicating about and developing authentic assessment in the eyes of both students and teachers to stimulate students’ professional skills development during a VET curriculum

Editorial: Cognitive load theory and multimedia learning, task characteristics and learning engagement: The Current State of the Art

Kirschner, F., Kester, L., & Corbalan, G. (2011). Cognitive load theory and multimedia learning, task characteristics, and learner engagement: The current state of the art. Computers in Human Behavior, 27, 1-4. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2010.05.003

Combining shared control with variability over surface features: Effects on transfer test performance and task involvement

Positive effects of learner control decrease when learners do not perceive the control given to them, make suboptimal choices, or are cognitively overloaded by the amount of choice. This study proposes shared control (i.e., learners choose from a pre-selection of suitable tasks) over highly variable tasks to tackle these problems. Ninety-four students participated in a 2x2 factorial experiment with the factors control (system, shared) and variability of surface features (low, high). Results show superior effects on training performance, transfer test performance, and task involvement of shared control when learners can choose from pre-selected tasks with surface features that are different from the surface features of previous tasks.

A Model for Online Learner Support Based on Selecting Appropriate Peer Tutors

The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com Please cite this as: Van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P.B, Brouns, F., Kester, L., Berlanga, A., Bitter, M., Koper, R. (2008). A model for online learner support based on selecting appropriate peer tutors. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 24, 483–493. Available online at doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2729.2008.00283.x