BibTeX
@MISC{Cheng02findinga,
author = {Peter C. -h. Cheng},
title = {Finding a good representation...},
year = {2002}
}
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Abstract
Six characteristics of effective representational systems for conceptual learning in complex domains have been identified. Such representations should: (1) integrate levels of abstraction; (2) combine globally homogeneous with locally heterogeneous representation of concepts; (3) integrate alternative perspec-tives of the domain; (4) support malleable manipulation of expressions; (5) possess compact procedures; and (6) have uniform procedures. The characteristics were discovered by analysing and evaluating a novel diagrammatic representation that has been invented to support students ’ comprehension of electricity— AVOW diagrams (Amps, Volts, Ohms, Watts). A task analysis is presented that demonstrates that problem solving using a conventional algebraic approach demands more effort than AVOW diagrams. In an ex-periment comparing two groups of learners using the alternative approaches, the group using AVOW diagrams learned more than the group using equations and were better able to solve complex transfer problems and questions involving multiple constraints. Analysis of verbal protocols and work scratch-ings showed that the AVOW diagram group, in contrast to the equations group, acquired a coherently organised network of concepts, learnt effective problem solving procedures, and experienced more pos-itive learning events. The six principles of effective representations were proposed on the basis of these
Keyphrases
good representation avow diagram heterogeneous representation effective representation ex-periment comparing electricity avow diagram student comprehension novel diagrammatic representation integrate alternative perspec-tives multiple constraint avow diagram group verbal protocol integrate level task analysis support malleable manipulation posse compact procedure effective problem solving procedure complex domain conceptual learning equation group uniform procedure effective representational system work scratch-ings complex transfer problem alternative approach pos-itive learning event conventional algebraic approach
