Centre

for Distance Education

Simon Fraser University

WMC 1300 291.3524

EDUCATION 420-4

?

COGNITIVE STRATEGIES IN LEARNING

Current theory and research on cognitive strategies; applied research about

teaching cognitive strategies. Objectives are:

To learn about major, research-based cognitive and metacognitive

strategies.

To study individual differences (such as motivation

)

cognition, and

metacognition) and instructional methods (such as direct explanation and

scaffolded instruction) that influence whether and how well students use

strategies.

To develop simple means for assessing when and how well students use

strategies, and for evaluating programs that claim to offer effective instruction in

strategies.

PBEREQUISJTE

EDUC 220 and 320.

REQUIRED TEXT

None.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Course Journal - three submissions - 30%.

- A "notebook" in which, by working on several kinds of exercises assigned

each week, you develop and express your understanding of information presented

in the course. It includes: a) study questions that involve remembering and

using information presented in or built from information presented in the course

b) thought questions that involve integrating information across readings and,

typically, developing and

j ustif

ying

an opinion about a critical issue in the field of

cognitive and metacognitive strategies, and c) application exercises that provide

opportunities to try out strategies and adapt them to your studying in this and,

perhaps, other courses you are taking.

Plan for a Unit of Strategy Instruction - 45%.

- In this project, you synthesize and apply information learned in this

course to design a unit of process-oriented curriculum that instructs learners

about cognitive strategies.

Final Exam - 25%.

10/28/94