Learning From Examples: Fostering Self-Explanations in Computer-Based Learning Environments

Cognitive skills acquisition involves developing the ability to solve problems in knowledge-rich task domains, and is particularly important for any individual attempting to meet the challenges of our modern, knowledge-driven economy. This type of economy argues for reconceptualizing cognitive skills acquisition as a lifelong process. Research has shown that worked-out examples are the key to initial cognitive skill acquisition and, therefore, critical to lifelong learning. The extent to which learners' profit from the study of examples, however, depends on how well they explain the solutions of the examples to themselves. This paper discusses our own research on different types of computer-based learning environments that indirectly foster self-explanations by (a) fostering anticipative reasoning, (b) supporting self-explanations during the transition from example study to problem solving, and (c) supporting self-explanation activities with instructional explanations. It also discusses ways of leveraging new computer and video technologies to enhance these environments by representing problem situations and their concepts dynamically. The paper concludes by suggesting that these learning environments, if employed successfully, can encourage systematic, lifelong learning.