Skip to main content
Log in

Cognitive apprenticeship in a CAL-environment for functionally illiterate adults

  • Published:
Instructional Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

When cognitive apprenticeship principles are compared with adult learning theories and in particular with learning theories concerning functionally illiterate adults, they have several aspects in common. In order to check these resemblances in practice and to explore at the same time the way in which the cognitive apprenticeship methods can be operationalized in a computer aided learning environment for adult basic education students, a computer program was designed in the domain of arithmetic.

This article describes an experiment with this computer program in which the use of the operationalized cognitive apprenticeship methods was studied together with the effects of modelling and coaching on student performance.

The results concerning the implementation of modelling and coaching showed that adult basic education students make little use of optional materials in the computer program. As a consequence of this no conclusions can be drawn concerning the effects of modelling and coaching on student performance.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Askov, E.N. & Turner, T.C. (1989). Using computers for teaching basic skills to adults.Lifelong Learning 12(6): 28–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, G. & Bixler, B. (1991). Computer-assisted instruction design techniques for the low-literate adult.Computers in Adult Education and Training 2(1): 18–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohlin, R.M., Milheim, W.D. & Viechnicki, K.J. (1990, April).A Prescriptive Model for the Design of Motivating Instruction for Adults. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Boston, MA.

  • Brown, J.S. (1985a). Idea amplifiers. New kinds of electronic learning environments.Educational Horizons 63: 108–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J.S. (1985b). Process versus product: a perspective on tools for communal and informal electronic learning.Journal of Educational Computing Research 1: 179–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J.S., Collins, A. & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated Cognition and the Culture of Learning.Educational Research 18(1): 32–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Candy, P.C. (1987). Evolution, revolution or devolution: increasing learner-control in the instructional setting, in D. Boud & V. Griffin, eds.,Appreciating Adults Learning: From the Learners' Perspective (pp. 159–178). London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carrier, C., Davidson, G. & Williams, M. (1985). The selection of instructional options in a computer-based coordinate concept lesson.Educational Communication and Technology Journal 33(3): 199–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung, J. & Reigeluth, C.M. (1992). Instructional prescriptions for learner control.Educational Technology 32 (10): 14–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A. (1991). Cognitive apprenticeship and instructional technology, in B.F. Jones & L. Idol, eds.,Educational Values and Cognitive Instruction: Implications for Reform (pp. 121–138). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. (Also available as BBN Report No. 6899, 1988, Cambridge, MA: Bolt Beranek and Newman).

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A., Brown, J.S. & Newman S.E. (1989). Cognitive apprenticeship: teaching the craft of reading, writing, and mathematics, in L.B. Resnick, ed.,Knowing, Learning, and Instruction: Essays in Honour of Robert Glaser (pp. 449–453). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. (Also available as BBN Report No. 6459, 1986, Cambridge, MA: Bolt Beranek and Newman).

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A. & Stevens, A.L. (1982). Goals and strategies of inquiry teachers, in R. Glaser, ed.,Advances in instructional psychology (Vol. 2) (pp. 65–119). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A. & Stevens, A.L. (1983). A cognitive theory of interactive teaching, in C.M. Reigeluth, ed.,Instructional Design Theories and Models: An Overview (pp. 247–278). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cumming, G. & Self, J. (1989). Collaborative intelligent educational system.Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on AI in Education (pp. 73–80). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: IOS.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Bruijn, H.F.M. (1993). Computer-aided learning for adults: a new approach.International Journal of Lifelong Education 12: 303–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deny, S. J. & Kellis, A. (1986). A prescriptive analysis of low-ability problem-solving behavior.Instructional Science 1: 49–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, P., Falconer, L., Groves, J. & Rubin, D. (1988).An Evaluation of the PALS Computer-Based Adult Literacy Program in the Saanich School District. British Columbia: Saanich School District.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahy, P.J. (1991, November).Adult Literacy Learning and Computer Technology: Features of Effective Computer-Assisted Learning Systems. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 338867).

  • Feurzeig, W. & White, B.Y. (1984).An Articulate Instructional System for Teaching Arithmetic Procedures. Cambridge, MA: Bolt Beranek and Newman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gay, G. (1986). Interaction of learner control and prior understanding in computer-assisted video instruction.Journal of Educational Psychology 78: 225–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Handler, J.R. (1990). Math anxiety in adult learning.Adult Learning 1(5): 20–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartley, J.T., Harker, J.O. & Walsh, D.A. (1980). Contemporary issues and new directions in adult development of learning and memory, in L.W. Poon, ed.,Aging in the 1980s: Psychological Issues (pp. 239–252). Washington, DC: APA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasselerharm, E. & Leemkuil, H. (1990). The relation between instructional control strategies and performance and attitudes in computer-based instruction, in J.M. Pieters, P.R.J. Simons & L. de Leeuw, eds.,Research on Computer-Based Instruction (pp. 67–80). Amsterdam/Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger B.V.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hativa, N. (1986). A naturalistic method for assessing the learning of arithmetic from computeraided practice.Studies in Educational Evaluation 12: 225–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hativa, N. (1988). Computer-based drill and practice in arithmetic: widening the gap between high and low-achieving students.American Educational Research Journal 25: 366–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiemstra, R. & Sisco, B. (1990).Individualizing Instruction. Making Learning Personal, Empowering, and Successful. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leith, D.M. (1988). Active learning in an adult basic math class.The Journal of Experiential Education 11(2): 28–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, L.H. (1988). Adults and computer anxiety: Fact or fiction?Lifelong Learning 11 (8): 5–8, 12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandl, H., Prenzel, M. & Gräsel, C. (1991, August).The Problem of Learning Transfer in Vocational Training. Paper presented at the Fourth European Conference for Research on Learning and Instruction, Turku, Finland.

  • Mandl, H., Prenzel, M. & Gräsel, C. (1992). Das Problem des Lerntransfers in der betrieblichen Weiterbildung [Transfer of learning in vocational training].Unterrichts Wissenschaft 20: 126–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, R.E. (1987).Educational Psychology: A Cognitive Approach. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merriam, S.B. & Cunningham, P.M., eds. (1989).Handbook of Adult Continuing Education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, H. & DeJoy, J.K. (1988). Applications of educational technology in a self-directed learning program for adults.Lifelong Learning 12(3): 22–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, D. (1989). In a student model necessary? Apprenticeship in a model for ITS.Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on AI in Education (pp. 177–184). Amsterdam: IOS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunes, E.H. (1991). Evaluating adult instructional materials.Adult Learning 3(2): 16–17, 25–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pieters, J.M. (1990).Computer-ondersteunde volwasseneneducatie: een onderwijskundige analyse [Computer-aided adult education: an educational analysis]. Amersfoort, The Netherlands: SVE, Landelijk Studieen Ontwikkelingscentrum voor de Volwasseneneducatie.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pieters, J.M. & Van Bommel, P.M.A. (1989). Adult learning strategies and computer skill training, in F. Goffree & H. Stroomberg, eds.,Creating Adult Learning (pp. 55–59). Leiden, The Netherlands: Spruyt, van Mantgem & de Docs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, L.B. (1987). Learning in school and out.Educational Researcher 16(9): 13–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, S.M. & Rakow, E.A. (1981). Learner control versus program control as adaptive strategies for selection of instructional support on math rules.Journal of Educational Psychology 73: 745–753.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorge, D.H., Rüssel, J.D. & Campbell, J.P. (1991). Interactive video with adults: lessons learned.Educational Technology 31(7): 25–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ter Heege, H., ed. (1991).Rekenenaan de basis. Uit een conferentie over leren van elementaire rekenvaardigheden [Arithmetic at the base. From a conference on learning of elementary arithmetic skills]. Enschede, The Netherlands: SLO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ter Heege, H., Van Zon, W. & Goffree, F., eds. (1989).Volwassenen rekenen. Een handboek voor educatief werkers [Adults calculate. A handbook for educational workers]. Amersfoort, The Netherlands: Acco.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg, E. (1992).Motivational Profiles of Adult Learners in Relation to Self-Directed Learning. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

De Bruijn, H.F.M. Cognitive apprenticeship in a CAL-environment for functionally illiterate adults. Instr Sci 23, 221–241 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00890271

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00890271

Keywords

Navigation