Guided Cognition for Learning: Unsupervised Learning and the Design of Effective Homework

Guided Cognition for Learning: Unsupervised Learning and the Design of Effective Homework details a new instructional design approach called Guided Cognition where homework tasks are designed to guide learners to engage in specific, observable cognitive events that are hypothesized to elicit underlying theoretical cognitive processes that result in learning. Outlining the results of twenty-six experiments completed over the course of eight years, the book tells a significant story about the generality of Guided Cognition instructional design to improve comprehension and recall by students of varying ages and ability levels.  

Explains why unsupervised learning is a major part of educationReviews the history of homework in American educationShows that quality of homework is more important than quantityIllustrates how Guided Cognition-designed homework improves learning for literature and mathematicsCompares Guided Cognition to other types of instructional designAnalyzes how the surface structure of Guided Cognition tasks relate to underlying psychological processesDiscusses the effects of the internet on learningPresents applications that facilitate lifelong learningIncludes an appendix of frames and guidelines for authoring Guided Cognition questions and tasks

1. The Importance of Unsupervised Individual Learning in Education 2. Guided Cognition: A New Approach to Designing Effective Homework 3. Guided Cognition Effects in Learning Literature 4. Guided Cognition Effects in Learning Mathematics 5. Students’ Perceptions and Preferences 6. Theoretical Considerations 7. Improving Unsupervised Individual Learning 8. Benefits and Applications of Guided Cognition Design