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Self-regulation in text processing

Auto-régulation dans l’apprentissage a l’aide de textes

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Abstract

In this paper an experiment is reported on the influence of two variations of instructions on learning performance and thinking-aloud protocols of 64 pupils from secondary schools. Furthermore, differences between successful and less successful pupils in self-regulatory processes during text processing are described. The texts consisted of instructions on how to use a computer keyboard and a text-editor. Learning performance referred to both knowledge and application. The variation in instructions did not influence the learning performance and the thinking-aloud protocols (either quantitatively or qualitatively), but the variable Marks/No Marks did. The main differences between successful and less successful pupils occurred in orientation processes, especially with regard to Reflection on Foreknowledge and Gaps in Foreknowledge. Differences also turned up for processes such as Process Selection and Making Summaries. The results are discussed in light of the results from a prior study with an informative text.

Résumé

Une expérience ayant pour but d’étudier l’influence des consignes d’apprentissage sur les processus d’auto-régulation durant la lecture, l’apprentissage et le contenu des protocoles de pensée à voix haute de 64 collégiens répartis en deux groupes en fonction de leur réussite scolaire a été réalisée. Les textes utilisés étaient de type procédural et présentaient les consignes d’utilisation d’un clavier relié à un ordinateur et d’un logiciel de traitement de texte. Les résultats indiqent que la variation des consignes d’apprentissage n’exerce pas d’influence sur l’apprentissage et sur les protocoles de pensée à voix haute, tant quantitativement que qualitativement. Les principales différences entre les deux groupes s’observent pour les processus d’orientation, en particulier pour la réflexion sur leur pré-savoir et les lacunes de leur pré-savoir. Des différences se manifestent également pour les processus de sélection et de construction de résumés. Ces résultats sont confrontés à ceux qui ont été précédemment obtenus avec des textes explicatifs traitant de la biologie et interprétés à la lumière du modèle proposé par Simons et Lodewijks (1987).

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This study was financially supported by the Dutch Institute for Educational Research (SVO).

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de Jong, F.P.C.M., Simons, RJ. Self-regulation in text processing. Eur J Psychol Educ 3, 177–190 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172655

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172655

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