Shared Resources: Engineering Students' Emerging Group Understanding of Thermodynamic Work
Saved in:
| Title: | Shared Resources: Engineering Students' Emerging Group Understanding of Thermodynamic Work |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Cao, Ying, Koretsky, Milo D. |
| Source: | Journal of Engineering Education. Oct 2018 107(4):656-689. |
| Availability: | Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 34 |
| Publication Date: | 2018 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | TUES1245482 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Engineering Education, Fundamental Concepts, Thermodynamics, Science Laboratories, Concept Formation, Cooperative Learning, Interaction, Learning Processes, Educational Technology |
| DOI: | 10.1002/jee.20237 |
| ISSN: | 1069-4730 |
| Abstract: | Background: We have developed several interactive virtual laboratories (IVLs) based on a sequence of agent-based molecular simulations designed to target specific threshold concepts to help students learn thermodynamics. We previously analyzed learning in the IVLs from a cognitive perspective, seeking to repair students' misconceptions; however, that perspective provided limited information for iteratively improving the IVLs. Purpose: In this study, we shift to a sociocultural perspective to identify student learning resources activated during their engagement in the Thermodynamic Work IVL. We seek to identify the productive social and environmental triggers through which students develop conceptual ideas using technology in a social setting. Method: We conducted emergent lexical coding on a cohort of 187 students' textual responses as they completed the IVL in a studio setting. We then analyzed the discursive and technology interactions of four students from different groups using video recordings. Results: Coding results show distributions of students' activated resources. Almost all of the students demonstrated productive ideas, and almost all also revealed opportunities to learn more. Through the detailed studies, we illustrate the moment-by-moment interactions of students with one another and with technology to describe how they activate and share resources. These interactions are conceptualized and illustrated through the construct of shared resources. We relate shared resources to processes of knowledge co-construction and knowledge transfer, and discuss implications for instructional practice and educational technology design. Conclusions: The resources framework helps us recognize productive ideas in students' evolving understanding of thermodynamic work. Shared resources allows for elaboration of the interwoven cognitive and social aspects of learning. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2020 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1254069 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
Be the first to leave a comment!
