{"title":"Comparing effects of different goal type orders on collaborative simulation‐based inquiry in engineering problem solving: A process modelling approach","authors":"Yanyan Sun, Chengjun Feng, Di Peng, Bian Wu","doi":"10.1111/jcal.13050","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Both learning and problem solving are major goals of complex problem solving in engineering education. The order of knowledge construction and problem solving in learning through problem solving, however, has not been explained in current literature.To understand their relationships, this study compared the effects of different goal type orders on collaborative simulation‐based inquiry in engineering problem solving.In the study, 24 engineering undergraduate students worked in pairs to solve a wind tunnel problem using a computer simulation application. Process mining and epistemic network analysis were used to model the inquiry process and identify inquiry patterns based on the log data and discussion discourse.The results showed the goal type of first assigned subtask influenced the inquiry strategies of medium‐performance learners most. In addition, the goal type of first assigned subtask had influence on learners' inquiry process. The learners assigned with a problem‐solving goal subtask first (Problem solving goal‐Learning goal condition) had more simulation trials and centered their inquiry discourse around clarification while the learners assigned with a learning goal subtask first (Learning goal‐Problem solving goal condition) connected reflection with other inquiry phases more often. The findings of this study suggested assigning a learning goal subtask first in simulated‐based complex engineering problem solving could be used as an idea‐centered scaffolding, especially for medium‐performance learners. However, low‐performance learners would experience a “situate knowledge paradox” and needs extra guidance. It is important to monitor the knowledge construction process in complex problem solving, even when seeking a solution is the major task.","PeriodicalId":48071,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Computer Assisted Learning","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.1000,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Computer Assisted Learning","FirstCategoryId":"95","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.13050","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Both learning and problem solving are major goals of complex problem solving in engineering education. The order of knowledge construction and problem solving in learning through problem solving, however, has not been explained in current literature.To understand their relationships, this study compared the effects of different goal type orders on collaborative simulation‐based inquiry in engineering problem solving.In the study, 24 engineering undergraduate students worked in pairs to solve a wind tunnel problem using a computer simulation application. Process mining and epistemic network analysis were used to model the inquiry process and identify inquiry patterns based on the log data and discussion discourse.The results showed the goal type of first assigned subtask influenced the inquiry strategies of medium‐performance learners most. In addition, the goal type of first assigned subtask had influence on learners' inquiry process. The learners assigned with a problem‐solving goal subtask first (Problem solving goal‐Learning goal condition) had more simulation trials and centered their inquiry discourse around clarification while the learners assigned with a learning goal subtask first (Learning goal‐Problem solving goal condition) connected reflection with other inquiry phases more often. The findings of this study suggested assigning a learning goal subtask first in simulated‐based complex engineering problem solving could be used as an idea‐centered scaffolding, especially for medium‐performance learners. However, low‐performance learners would experience a “situate knowledge paradox” and needs extra guidance. It is important to monitor the knowledge construction process in complex problem solving, even when seeking a solution is the major task.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Computer Assisted Learning is an international peer-reviewed journal which covers the whole range of uses of information and communication technology to support learning and knowledge exchange. It aims to provide a medium for communication among researchers as well as a channel linking researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. JCAL is also a rich source of material for master and PhD students in areas such as educational psychology, the learning sciences, instructional technology, instructional design, collaborative learning, intelligent learning systems, learning analytics, open, distance and networked learning, and educational evaluation and assessment. This is the case for formal (e.g., schools), non-formal (e.g., workplace learning) and informal learning (e.g., museums and libraries) situations and environments. Volumes often include one Special Issue which these provides readers with a broad and in-depth perspective on a specific topic. First published in 1985, JCAL continues to have the aim of making the outcomes of contemporary research and experience accessible. During this period there have been major technological advances offering new opportunities and approaches in the use of a wide range of technologies to support learning and knowledge transfer more generally. There is currently much emphasis on the use of network functionality and the challenges its appropriate uses pose to teachers/tutors working with students locally and at a distance. JCAL welcomes: -Empirical reports, single studies or programmatic series of studies on the use of computers and information technologies in learning and assessment -Critical and original meta-reviews of literature on the use of computers for learning -Empirical studies on the design and development of innovative technology-based systems for learning -Conceptual articles on issues relating to the Aims and Scope