Chapter 7: Complex Cognitive Processes Flashcards
complex cognitive processes
Cognitive process that involves going well beyond the information specifically learned; for example, it might involve analyzing, applying, or evaluating the information.
metacognition
Knowledge and beliefs about the nature of human cognitive processes (including one’s own), as well as conscious attempts to engage in behaviors and thought processes that increase learning and memory.
learning strategy
One or more cognitive processes used intentionally for a particular learning task.
overt strategies
Learning strategy that is at least partially evident in a learner’s behavior.
covert strategies
Learning strategy that is strictly mental (rather than behavioral) in nature and thus cannot be directly observed by others.
self-explanation
Process of occasionally stopping to verbalize to oneself (and hence to better understand) material being read or studied
self-questioning
Process of asking oneself questions as a way of checking one’s understanding of a topic
cognitive load
Cognitive burden that a particular learning activity places on working memory at any one time; includes both the amount of information learners must simultaneously think about and the specific cognitive processes learners must engage in to understand what they’re studying
illusion of knowing
Thinking one knows something that one actually does not know.
epistemic beliefs
Belief about the nature of knowledge or knowledge acquisition.
hypermedia
Collection of computer-based and electronically linked multimedia materials (e.g., text, pictures, sound, animations) that students can examine in a sequence of their own choosing.
transfer
Phenomenon in which something a person has learned at one time affects how the person learns in a later situation.
positive transfer
Phenomenon in which something learned at one time facilitates learning or performance at a later time.
negative transfer
Phenomenon in which something learned at one time interferes with learning or performance at a later time.
specific transfer
Instance of transfer in which the original learning task and the transfer task overlap in content.
general transfer
Instance of transfer in which the original learning task and the transfer learning task are different in content.
formal discipline
View of transfer reflecting the idea that the study of rigorous subject matter enhances one’s ability to learn other, unrelated things
authentic activities
Classroom activity similar to another activity that students are apt to encounter in the outside world.
culture of transfer
Learning environment in which applying school subject matter to new situations, cross-disciplinary contexts, and real-world problems is both the expectation and the norm.
mental set
Inclination to encode a problem in a way that excludes potential solutions.
algorithm
A prescribed sequence of steps that guarantees a correct problem solution.
heuristics
General strategy that facilitates problem solving but doesn’t always yield a viable solution.
problem-based learning
Classroom activity in which students acquire new knowledge and skills while working on a complex problem similar to one that might exist in the outside world.
intelligent tutoring systems
Computer software program that provides individually tailored instruction and practice, supplemented with ongoing guidance and feedback, related to a particular topic or set of skills.
creativity
New and original behavior that yields a productive and culturally appropriate result.
convergent thinking
Process of pulling together several pieces of information to draw a conclusion or solve a problem
divergent thinking
Process of mentally moving in a variety of directions from a single idea
higher-level questions
Question that requires students to use previously learned information in a new way- that is, to engage in one or more complex cognitive processes.
critical thinking
Process of evaluating the accuracy, credibility, and worth of information and lines of reasoning.
