Browsing by Author "Wang, Chia-Yu"

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A review of features of technology-supported learning environments based on participants' perceptions
(2015-12-01)
Chang, Hsin-Yi
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Lee, Min-Hsien
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Wu, Hsin-Kai
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Liang, Jyh-Chong
In this study we reviewed 22 studies on developing instruments that measure teachers\', students\' and adult students\' perceptions of learning environments enhanced by a certain type of technology. We conducted a review of all the instruments to propose a new framework conceptualizing technology-supported learning environments (TSLEs) for future instructional designs, and research on learning environments. This framework was also confirmed with the literature on learning theories. The framework consists of six dimensions: technical, content, cognitive, metacognitive, social, and affective. We found that the studies took more into consideration the technical, cognitive and social dimensions, and less the content, metacognitive, and affective dimensions. Moreover, usability in the technical dimension, relevance in the content dimension, inquiry learning in the cognitive dimension, student autonomy in the metacognitive dimension, and teacher support in the social dimension are the salient features most often investigated in TSLEs. The results provide insights into an overview of the instruments used for TSLEs, implications for the instructional design of TSLEs, and trends in the current and future research on perceptions of TSLEs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Review of Research on Technology-Assisted School Science Laboratories
(2014-04-01)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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Wu, Hsin-Kai
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Lee, Silvia Wen-Yu
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Hwang, Fu-Kwun
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Chang, Hsin-Yi
Studies that incorporate technologies into school science laboratories have proliferated in the recent two decades. A total of 42 studies published from 1990 to 2011 that incorporated technologies to support school science laboratories are reviewed here. Simulations, microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs), and virtual laboratories are commonly used to assist students in engaging in laboratory activities, followed by remote laboratories, databases, and other miscellaneous technologies. We report the demographics and characteristics of these technology-assisted laboratory studies and provide examples to illustrate how technologies have facilitated science learning in laboratories for different subjects and science domains, with various levels of student involvement and components of investigations. Major findings of the reviewed articles are summarized to understand the effects of applying technologies in school laboratories. Incorporation of technologies in school science laboratories has changed students\' learning experiences in terms of the phenomena to be explored, their interactions with the natural phenomena or materials, and approaches to handling and making sense of data. Based on our findings, possible directions for future research and emerging instructional issues regarding technology-assisted laboratories are discussed.
Assessing Metacognitive Components in Self-Regulated Reading of Science Texts in E-Based Environments
(2018-06-01)
Yen, Miao-Hsuan
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Chang, Wen-Hua
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Chen, Sufen
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Hsu, Ying-Shao
The boom in Internet and communication technology has accelerated change in information delivery channels from paper to networked, digital displaying devices. Reading electronically has altered the cognitive and metacognitive processes readers use to approach science texts. Assessing reading in a digitized environment also opens up opportunities to examine the recursive process of self-regulated learning. However, a systematic analysis in this area across paper- and e-based environments is lacking. This study explores methods of assessing metacognition in reading informational science texts to address this gap. A total of 55 studies in 47 articles published from 1990 to 2016 investigating effects of metacognition on science reading are reviewed. The analysis reveals frequently applied methods, including self-report questionnaires for measuring metacognitive knowledge, event-based assessment for metacognitive skills, and questionnaires or interviews for metacognitive experiences. Community acceptable instruments are presented and illustrated. E-based environment has potential to support comprehensive and complicated measurement of metacognition. Future research may further the investigation of interactions among metacognitive components by designing sequential tasks and combining multiple assessment methods. Finally, triangulation of findings from various methods is essential in assessing metacognition involved in self-regulated reading.
Characteristics and Levels of Sophistication: An Analysis of Chemistry Students' Ability to Think with Mental Models
(2011-08-01)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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Barrow, Lloyd H.
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教育研究所
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Institute of Education
This study employed a case-study approach to reveal how an ability to think with mental models contributes to differences in students' understanding of molecular geometry and polarity. We were interested in characterizing features and levels of sophistication regarding first-year university chemistry learners' mental modeling behaviors while the learners were solving problems associated with spatial information. To serve this purpose, we conducted case studies on nine students who were sampled from high-scoring, moderate-scoring, and low-scoring students. Our findings point to five characteristics of mental modeling ability that distinguish students in the high-, moderate-, and low-ability groups from one another. Although the levels of mental modeling abilities have been described in categories (high, moderate, and low), they can be thought of as a continuum with the low-ability group reflecting students who have very limited ability to generate and use mental models whereas students in the high-ability group not only construct and use mental models as a thinking tool, but also analyze the problems to be solved, evaluate their mental models, and oversee entire mental modeling processes. Cross-case comparisons for students with different levels of mental modeling ability indicate that experiences of generating and manipulating a mental model based on imposed propositions are crucial for a learner's efforts to incorporate content knowledge with visual-spatial thinking skills. This paper summarizes potential factors that undermine learners' comprehension of molecular geometry and polarity and that influence mastery of this mental modeling ability.
CONTENT ANALYSIS OF 1998-2012 EMPIRICAL STUDIES IN SCIENCE READING USING A SELF-REGULATED LEARNING LENS
(2016-01-01)
Hsu, Ying-Shao
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Yen, Miao-Hsuan
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Chang, Wen-Hua
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Chen, Sufen
There is an increasing interest in conducting reading-related studies in science education using a self-regulated learning (SRL) lens. This exploration involved a content analysis of 34 articles (38 studies in total) in highly regarded journals from 1998 to 2012 using an SRL interpretative framework to reveal critical features and relationships in the science reading research. A cross-study comparison revealed that most researchers had applied mixed methods approaches (68 %), used instructional cues as an intervention (47 %), and collected both performance and process data (50 %). The summary figures indicated that a variety of instructional cues had different effects on science reading and SRL strategies and that there were interactions between task conditions and cognitive conditions. Customized or personalized metacognitive prompts are especially useful for comprehending hypertexts and conducting online information searches. Based on the findings, it was suggested that future research should apply the COPES model for SRL to design instructional cues for learners and to investigate how external task conditions influence cognitive conditions, self-regulated processes, and reading performance across different science text genres.
CONTENT ANALYSIS OF 1998-2012 EMPIRICAL STUDIES IN SCIENCE READING USING A SELF-REGULATED LEARNING LENS
(2016-01)
Hsu, Ying-Shao
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Yen, Miao-Hsuan
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Chang, Wen-Hua
;
Wang, Chia-Yu
;
Chen, Sufen
There is an increasing interest in conducting reading-related studies in science education using a self-regulated learning (SRL) lens. This exploration involved a content analysis of 34 articles (38 studies in total) in highly regarded journals from 1998 to 2012 using an SRL interpretative framework to reveal critical features and relationships in the science reading research. A cross-study comparison revealed that most researchers had applied mixed methods approaches (68 %), used instructional cues as an intervention (47 %), and collected both performance and process data (50 %). The summary figures indicated that a variety of instructional cues had different effects on science reading and SRL strategies and that there were interactions between task conditions and cognitive conditions. Customized or personalized metacognitive prompts are especially useful for comprehending hypertexts and conducting online information searches. Based on the findings, it was suggested that future research should apply the COPES model for SRL to design instructional cues for learners and to investigate how external task conditions influence cognitive conditions, self-regulated processes, and reading performance across different science text genres.
Development and implications of technology in reform-based physics laboratories
(2012-10-16)
Chen, Sufen
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Lo, Hao-Chang
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Lin, Jing-Wen
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Liang, Jyh-Chong
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Chang, Hsin-Yi
Technology has been widely involved in science research. Researchers are now applying it to science education in an attempt to bring students' science activities closer to authentic science activities. The present study synthesizes the research to discuss the development of technology-enhanced laboratories and how technology may contribute to fulfilling the instructional objectives of laboratories in physics. To be more specific, this paper discusses the engagement of technology to innovate physics laboratories and the potential of technology to promote inquiry, instructor and peer interaction, and learning outcomes. We then construct a framework for teachers, scientists, and programmers to guide and evaluate technology-integrated laboratories. The framework includes inquiry learning and openness supported by technology, ways of conducting laboratories, and the diverse learning objectives on which a technology-integrated laboratory may be focused.
EEG Dynamics Reflect the Distinct Cognitive Process of Optic Problem Solving
(1970-01-01)
She, Hsiao-Ching
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Jung, Tzyy-Ping
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Chou, Wen-Chi
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Huang, Li-Yu
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Wang, Chia-Yu
"This study explores the changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity associated with the performance of solving an optics maze problem. College students (N = 37) were instructed to construct three solutions to the optical maze in a Web-based learning environment, which required some knowledge of physics. The subjects put forth their best effort to minimize the number of convexes and mirrors needed to guide the image of an object from the entrance to the exit of the maze. This study examines EEG changes in different frequency bands accompanying varying demands on the cognitive process of providing solutions. Results showed that the mean power of theta, alpha 1, alpha 2, and beta 1 significantly increased as the number of convexes and mirrors used by the students decreased from solution 1 to 3. Moreover, the mean power of theta and alpha 1 significantly increased when the participants constructed their personal optimal solution (the least total number of mirrors and lens used by students) compared to their non-personal optimal solution. In conclusion, the spectral power of frontal, frontal midline and posterior theta, posterior alpha, and temporal beta increased predominantly as the task demands and task performance increased."
Exploring conceptual frameworks of models of atomic structures and periodic variations, chemical bonding, and molecular shape and polarity: a comparison of undergraduate general chemistry students with high and low levels of content knowledge
(2013)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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Barrow, Lloyd H.
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教育研究所
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Institute of Education
The purpose of the study was to explore students' conceptual frameworks of models of atomic structure and periodic variations, chemical bonding, and molecular shape and polarity, and how these conceptual frameworks influence their quality of explanations and ability to shift among chemical representations. This study employed a purposeful sampling technique and used three diagnostic instruments for conceptual understanding to determine the students' level of content knowledge of the related concepts. Six student interviews were analyzed to portray students' conceptual frameworks in high and low content knowledge (HCK and LCK, respectively) groups. The study's major findings revealed that moving from a high toward a low level of content knowledge, the quality of students' explanations declined, as did their ability to reconcile new information to their existing knowledge frameworks. Three essential concepts - models of atomic structure, effective core charge and principles of electrostatic force, and quantum mechanics descriptions - were identified that may explain students' failure to learn the necessary aspects of molecular geometry and polarity. This study provides empirical evidence of how students' content knowledge influences their understanding about molecular polarity. The findings have implications for college chemistry education with respect to teaching concepts about molecular polarity.
Exploring General Versus Task-Specific Assessments of Metacognition in University Chemistry Students: A Multitrait-Multimethod Analysis
(2015-08-01)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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教育研究所
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Institute of Education
The purpose of this study was to use multiple assessments to investigate the general versus task-specific characteristics of metacognition in dissimilar chemistry topics. This mixed-method approach investigated the nature of undergraduate general chemistry students\' metacognition using four assessments: a self-report questionnaire, assessment of concurrent metacognitive skills, confidence judgment, and calibration accuracy. Data were analyzed using a multitrait-multimethod correlation matrix, supplemented with regression analyses, and qualitative interpretation. Significant correlations among task performance, calibration accuracy, and concurrent metacognition within a task suggest a converging relationship. Confidence judgment, however, was not associated with task performance or the other metacognitive measurements. The results partially support hypotheses of both general and task-specific metacognition. However, general and task-specific properties of metacognition were detected using different assessments. Case studies were constructed for two participants to illustrate how concurrent metacognition varied within different task demands. Considerations of how each assessment may appropriate different metacognitive constructs and the importance of the alignment of analytical constructs when using multiple assessments are discussed. These results may help lead to improvements in metacognition assessment and may provide insights into designs of effective metacognitive instruction.
Exploring the Impacts of Cognitive and Metacognitive Prompting on Students\' Scientific Inquiry Practices Within an E-Learning Environment
(2015-02-11)
Zhang, Wen-Xin
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Hsu, Ying-Shao
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Ho, Yu-Ting
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教育研究所
This study explores the effects of metacognitive and cognitive prompting on the scientific inquiry practices of students with various levels of initial metacognition. Two junior high school classes participated in this study. One class, the experimental group (n = 26), which received an inquiry-based curriculum with a combination of cognitive and metacognitive prompts, was compared to the other class, the comparison group (n = 25), which received only cognitive prompts in the same curriculum. Data sources included a test of inquiry practices, a questionnaire of metacognition, and worksheets. The results showed that the mixed cognitive and metacognitive prompts had significant impacts on the students\' inquiry practices, especially their planning and analyzing abilities. Furthermore, the mixed prompts appeared to have a differential effect on those students with lower level metacognition, who showed significant improvement in their inquiry abilities. A combination of cognitive and metacognitive prompts during an inquiry cycle was found to promote students\' inquiry practices.
Load-Balanced User Association and Resource Allocation Under Limited Capacity Backhaul for Small Cell Networks
(2016)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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Li, Pei-Rong
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Tsai, Chia-Lin
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Feng, Kai-Ten
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電機工程學系
Recently, the centralized management in small cell (SC) networks enabled by the existence of a central controller and backhaul links is developed to meet the growing data demand. The effect of load-balancing under the considerations of limited capacity backhaul and co-channel interference is investigated in this paper. Our main goal is to maximize energy efficiency (EE) in SC network through a joint decision strategy consists of user association and radio resource allocation with quality-of-service (QoS) support. To tackle this mixed combinatorial optimization problem, a load-balanced user association and radio resource allocation (LB-UARA) mechanism based on the quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that the objectives of QoS satisfaction and energy conservation can be realized via load-balancing procedure in our proposed LB-UARA mechanism.
Scaffolding Middle School Students\' Construction of Scientific Explanations: Comparing a cognitive versus a metacognitive evaluation approach
(2015-01-22)
Wang, Chia-Yu
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教育研究所
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Institute of Education
This study investigated the effects of scaffolds as cognitive prompts and as metacognitive evaluation on seventh-grade students\' growth of content knowledge and construction of scientific explanations in five inquiry-based biology activities. Students\' scores on multiple-choice pretest and posttest and worksheets for five inquiry-based activities were analyzed. The results show that the students\' content knowledge in all conditions significantly increased from the pretest to posttest. Incorporating cognitive prompts with the explanation scaffolds better facilitated knowledge integration and resulted in greater learning gains of content knowledge and better quality evidence and reasoning. The metacognitive evaluation instruction improved all explanation components, especially claims and reasoning. This metacognitive approach also significantly reduced students\' over- or underestimation during peer-evaluation by refining their internal standards for the quality of scientific explanations. The ability to accurately evaluate the quality of explanations was strongly associated with better performance on explanation construction. The cognitive prompts and metacognitive evaluation instruction address different aspects of the challenges faced by the students, and show different effects on the enhancement of content knowledge and the quality of scientific explanations. Future directions and suggestions are provided for improving the design of the scaffolds to facilitate the construction of scientific explanations.
Supporting technology-enhanced inquiry through metacognitive and cognitive prompts: Sequential analysis of metacognitive actions in response to mixed prompts
(2017-07-01)
Hsu, Ying-Shao
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Zhang, Wen-Xin
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教育研究所
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Institute of Education
The aim of this study was to develop and examine supports for inquiry practices in computer-based learning environments (CBLEs). Two kinds of supports for inquiry practices were developed, namely cognitive and metacognitive prompts. We employed a multiple case study design to analyze students' metacognitive reactions to these two kinds of prompts and the fading effect on the regulation process using a sequential analysis technique. The results of this study indicate that the high level inquiry group performed not only more metacognitive actions of monitoring and evaluating, but also performed them in different sequences than the less successful students (the middle and low level inquiry groups) during the prompted inquiry tasks. The sequential analysis in this study identified the students' crucial learning patterns of successful inquiry practices in both the structured and guided inquiry stages. The findings can be used to explore the possible alignment between scaffolding and learning behaviors, and the mechanism of fading for inquiry-based learning in CBLEs. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Intellectual Structure of Metacognitive Scaffolding in Science Education: A Co-citation Network Analysis
(2016-03)
Tang, Kai-Yu
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Chang, Hsin-Yi
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Chen, Sufen
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Lo, Hao-Chang
The issues of metacognitive scaffolding in science education (MSiSE) have become increasingly popular and important. Differing from previous content reviews, this study proposes a series of quantitative computer-based analyses by integrating document co-citation analysis, social network analysis, and exploratory factor analysis to explore the intellectual structure of the MSiSE literature (i.e. the relationships within and between subfields of MSiSE). Co-citation refers to any two articles that are jointly referenced in other articles. After the computation of co-citation analysis, 27 articles that have been co-cited at least once by follow-up studies as references were identified as the final set of core articles. The whole co-citation profile of 27 cores with the 434 links was then visualized in a network through social network analysis, representing an overview for the intellectual structure of core MSiSE studies. The most cross-referenced underpinnings in the network focused on adaptive scaffolding for self-regulated learning to enhance students\' conceptual understanding and on younger students\' metacognition in online science inquiry learning environments. Furthermore, two emerging topics in the network were identified through an exploratory factor analysis as "non-technological metacognitive scaffolding media," and "behavior patterns & task analysis in technology-infused environments." Overall, the study provides an innovative review method of scholarly communication in the MSiSE literature.
Web-based undergraduate chemistry problem-solving: The interplay of task performance, domain knowledge and web-searching strategies
(2012-09-01)
She, Hsiao-Ching
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Cheng, Meng-Tzu
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Li, Ta-Wei
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Wang, Chia-Yu
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Chiu, Hsin-Tien
This study investigates the effect of Web-based Chemistry Problem-Solving, with the attributes of Web-searching and problem-solving scaffolds, on undergraduate students' problem-solving task performance. In addition, the nature and extent of Web-searching strategies students used and its correlation with task performance and domain knowledge also were examined. We recruited a total of 183 undergraduate students, all of whom are taking the freshman chemistry course, to participate in the study to solve three chemistry tasks across a semester. Mandated screen-capture software captured participants' on-screen Web-searching processes were recorded every five seconds. Results demonstrated that students' problem-solving performance was significantly improved from task 1 to 3, and students with more domain knowledge outperformed students with less domain knowledge. Students with higher problem-solving performance employed more existing knowledge and metacognitive Web-searching strategies; and students with lower problem-solving performance employed more cognitive Web-searching strategies. In addition, students' problem-solving performance was correlated with their domain knowledge, use of existing knowledge, and metacognitive Web-searching strategies. Moreover, students' use of existing knowledge was the major factor for predicting their problem-solving performance according to the regression model. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.