This is a comparative study designed to generate causal [experimental] evidence. It includes an intervention [One or more conceptually grounded learning activities prior to problem solving] and a comparison condition [problem solving alone]. Original data are collected through assessments of learning or achievement tests, observation [web logs] and step-by-step records of students’ on-line problem solving activities.
ANOVAs and ANCOVAs will be employed to examine the impact of Conceptually Grounded Learning Activities and of Cognitive Mastery procedures on measures of student learning efficiency and effectiveness in problem solving. Machine learning analyses, statistical decision theory and correlational analyses will be employed to model students' depth of understanding during problem solving and to relate depth of understanding to learning outcomes.
