An exploration of students' strategy use in inquiry‐based computer‐supported collaborative learning

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate students' use of cognitive learning strategies in inquiry‐based computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL). A process‐oriented interview framework on cognitive activity, self‐regulation and motivation, and a coding category for analysing cognitive learning strategies and cognitive self‐regulation was developed. The students of an intervention group (n=18) participating in inquiry‐based CSCL and a comparison group (n=8) were interviewed six to eight times during the 3 years of the study. The results derived from the mixed‐method analysis of altogether 161 interviews were compared between the two groups. The results indicate that the students who participated in the inquiry‐based CSCL activities reported deeper‐level cognitive strategies such as monitoring, creating representations and sharing information collaboratively. The students of the comparison group reported more surface‐level strategies such as memorization. However, the findings concerning the utility of CSCL inquiry on cognitive learning strategies were not uniformly positive. It was found that the students of the comparison group reported significantly more strategies under the category of content evaluation. Nevertheless, the results suggest that computer‐supported inquiry‐based learning can enhance the use of cognitive strategies that support learning.