Group Metacognition in a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environment

This study investigated within-group metacognition during group problem solving conducted within the context of a Knowledge Forum© CSCL learning environment. Three malfunctioning groups of students from a middle-grade primary school in an inner-city school in eastern Australia participated in this study. Prior to the study, the majority of the groups' time at the computer was spent on non-productive conflict. During the study, the three groups were provided with group strategies and metacognitive scaffolds to facilitate group metacognition. The scaffolds and strategies used were derived from the literature on metacognition, co-operative learning, problem solving, and computer-supported collaborative learning. The study found that providing students with metacognitive scaffolds and group strategies resulted in positive changes in the students' group work at the computer. The students developed an understanding of how to contribute effectively to their group which enhanced the groups' problem solving and knowledge-building.

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