Impact Of Instructional Strategies Research Articles

Direct instruction, worked examples and problem solving: The impact of instructional strategies on cognitive load

ABSTRACT Research often examines cognitive load as it relates to direct instruction, worked examples and problem-solving combined as an integrated whole. The present study examines these strategies in isolation to see their effect on cognitive load. Using learning materials covering the basics of critical thinking to undergraduate law students (n = 160) at a Russian university, the current study isolated direct ‘example-free’ instruction, worked examples with no instructional explanations and problem-solving free from any form of instruction to examine their effects on cognitive load. Results show that students’ levels of cognitive load differ by condition. Clearly separating instructional strategies in this manner allows for the examination of how learners process information at a particular phase of instruction, and ultimately a more precise and accurate explanation of how specific instructional strategies contribute to cognitive load.

Components of Mathematical Problem Solving Competence and Mediation Effects of Instructional Strategies for Mathematical Modeling

This study is aimed at investigating the relationships between the components of problem solving skills (four procedural components and modeling competence) and the impact of instructional strategies (collaborative learning and problem posing) on students’ mathematical modeling competence. A survey on students’ mathematical problem solving competence, that was comprised of 40 items, was administered to 1,224 students in Korea and their responses were analyzed quantitatively (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis). The results indicated that students’ competencies regarding procedural components of mathematical problem solving positively affected their mathematical modeling competence. Additionally, instructional strategies utilizing collaborative learning and problem posing mediated and synergized the effect in terms of procedural components of mathematical problem solving and mathematical modeling competence. The study also discusses its contributions to and implications for mathematics educators and teachers.

Instruction strategies work out by mathematics teachers: evaluating the affect on bachelor of education

The main objective of this research is to study the different instruction strategies implemented by Mathematics teachers and evaluating its affect on Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) level. To complete the study, two samples 34 teachers and 217 students were taken randomly. A five point Likert scale comprising 40 statements was prepared and administered to 34 teachers of teaching of mathematics, a subject taught at B.Ed level. Both statement analysis and person measurement were carried out statistically. Factors in the scale relating to instructional strategies applied by mathematics teachers in their classes were also analyzed through Inter correlation of factors. The significance of mean differences between male and female subgroups was also determined by applying Z-test. It was inferred from the statement analysis that the majority of teachers agreed that the impact of instructional strategies on teaching of mathematics and learning was positive. It was also observed that the inter-correlations among different scale factors were also significant at 0.01 and 0.05 level of significance, which showed the internal consistency among all parts of the scale.

Impact of Instructional Strategies on Motivation and Engagement for Simulation-Based Training of Robot-Aided ISR Tasks

The U.S. Army projects a considerable increase in the number of operational Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) within the next ten years. There is a need to enhance UGS capabilities to support remote Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) operations involving the identification of High-Value Individuals (HVI). Emerging UGS capability requirements will inevitably result in new or revised training requirements. The U.S. Army identifies Simulation-Based Training (SBT) as a required training platform for robot-aided ISR tasks utilizing UGSs. In order to implement an effective SBT system, there are several factors to consider related to training systems design and trainee needs. Factors addressed in this study include the selection of effective SBT instructional strategies and the impact on trainee motivation and engagement. Results from this study contribute to design and future research recommendations regarding SBT for robot-aided ISR tasks.