Thesis (Ph. D.)--San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 545-550).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-122).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Columbia International University, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-196).

Small group learning is widely advocated in educational institutions around the world and has drawn constant attention in research. Group interaction is a key component of group-based learning. However, its implementation in existing learning practices is inefficient. Previous studies discussed the use of concept mapping in group learning. Concept mapping as an external representation affords a communicative function that triggers shared cognition in collaborative learning. Empirical work reported the pedagogical usefulness of collaborative concept mapping in supporting group learning processes. However, there lacks an effort in systematically examining the effects of collaborative concept mapping in influencing students’ interactional processes according to frame works of group learning activities. This study in the first part examines the effects of collaborative concept mapping on interactional processes at the cognitive, metacognitive, and socio-emotional dimensions in group learning guided by frameworks of group learning activities. An experimental design method (i.e., concept mapping vs. no concept mapping) is used to examine the effects. Beyond, since task condition is a key issue in determining the effectiveness of intervention elements for shaping interaction, and concept mapping is used for pursuing different types of tasks in educational applications, this study takes task condition into account in the experimental design. A salient problem in collaborative use of concept mapping in distance groups is that participants need to put special efforts into coordination of group activities. Prior studies proposed designing roles functioning at different aspects to structure group activities in collaborative concept mapping. Using roles was found to facilitate task-focused and reflective interaction. However, there is a lack of a systematic view in the design of roles to assist interaction considering the multidimensionality of group interaction. There also lacks empirical investigations into the effectiveness of assigning roles in concept mapping mediated group learning. To address these issues, this study in the second part proposes a role-based approach, i.e., assigning the roles including cognitive leader, metacognitive leader, and socio-emotional leader to participants, in collaborative concept mapping to facilitate group learning processes. An experimental study is implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The study finds that concept mapping has different effects on group learning in different task conditions. Concept mapping effectively mediates learning processes and leads to superior task performances for conceptual tasks, while functions deficiently neither in mediating group learning processes nor in producing superior task performances for design tasks. Assigning roles in collaborative concept mapping is evidenced to be feasible and useful in improving socio-emotional experiences in group learning. / published_or_final_version / Education / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

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published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Through the development and implementation of modified learning contexts, the current study encouraged undergraduate teacher education students to modify their approaches to learning by reducing their reliance on surface approaches and progressively adopting deeper approaches. This outcome was considered desirable because students who employed deep approaches would exit the course having achieved higher quality learning than those who relied primarily on surface approaches. It was expected that higher quality learning in a preservice teacher education program would also translate into greater self-confidence in the management of teaching tasks, leading to improvements in students� teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Altered learning contexts were developed through the application of action research methodology involving core members of the teaching team. Learning activities were designed with a focus on co-operative small-group problem-based learning, which included multiple subtasks requiring variable outcome presentation modes. Linked individual reflection was encouraged by personal learning journals and learning portfolios. Students also provided critical analyses of their own learning during the completion of tasks, from both individual and group perspectives. Assessment methods included lecturer, peer and self-assessment, depending on the nature of the learning task. Often these were integrated, so that subtasks within larger ones were assessed using combinations of methods. Learning approach theorists (Biggs, 1993a, 1999; Entwistle, 1986, 1998; Prosser & Trigwell, 1999; Ramsden, 1992, 1997) contend that learning outcomes are directly related to the learning approaches used in their development. They further contend that the approach adopted is largely a result of students� intent, which in turn, is influenced by their perception of the learning context. The present study therefore aimed to develop an integrated and pervasive course-based learning context, constructively aligned (after: Biggs, 1993a, 1996), achievable within the normal constraints of a university program, that would influence students� adoption of deep learning approaches. The cognitive processes students used in response to the altered contexts were interpreted in accordance with self-regulatory internal logic (after: Bandura, 1986, 1991b; Zimmerman, 1989, 1998b). Longitudinal quasi-experimental methods with repeated measures on non-equivalent dependent variables were applied to three cohorts of students. Cohort 1 represented the contrast group who followed a traditional program. Cohort 2 was the main treatment group to whom the modified program was presented. Cohort 3 represented a comparison group that was also presented with the modified program over a shorter period. Student data on learning approach, teaching efficacy and academic attributions were gathered from repeated administrations of the Study Process Questionnaire (Biggs, 1987b), Teacher Efficacy Scale (Gibson & Dembo, 1984) and Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale (Lefcourt, 1991). In addition, reflective journals, field observations and transcripts of interviews undertaken at the beginning and conclusion of the course, were used to clarify students� approaches to learning and their responses to program modifications. Analyses of learning approaches adopted by Cohorts 1 and 2 revealed that they both began their course predominantly using surface approaches. While students in Cohort 1 completed the course with approximately equal reliance on deep and surface approaches, students in Cohort 2 reported a predominant use of deep approaches on course completion. The relative impact of the modified learning context on students with differing approaches to learning in this cohort were further explained through qualitative data and cluster analyses. The partial replication of the study with Cohort 3, across the first three semesters of their program, produced similar effects to those obtained with Cohort 2. The analyses conducted with teaching efficacy data indicated a similar pattern of development for all cohorts. Little change in either personal or general dimensions was noted in the first half of the program, followed by strong growth in both, in the latter half. While a relationship between learning approach usage and teaching efficacy was not apparent in Cohort 1, developmental path and mediation analyses indicated that the use of deep learning approaches considerably influenced the development of personal teaching efficacy in Cohort 2. The current research suggests that value lies in the construction of learning environments, in teacher education, that enhance students� adoption of deep learning approaches. The nature of the task is complex, multifaceted and context specific, most likely requiring the development of unique solutions in each environment. Nevertheless, this research demonstrates that such solutions can be developed and applied within the prevailing constraints of pre-existing course structures.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-147).