Classroom model, model classroom: Computer-supported methodology for investigating collaborative-learning pedagogy

Dor Abrahamson*, Paulo Blikstein, Uri Wilensky

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have been exploring the potential of agent-based modeling methodology for social-science research and, specifically, for illuminating theoretical complementarities of cognitive and socio-constructivist conceptualizations of learning (e.g., Abrahamson & Wilensky, 2005a). The current study advances our research by applying our methodology to pedagogy research: we investigate individual and social factors underlying outcomes of implementing collaborativeinquiry classroom practice. Using bifocal modeling (Blikstein & Wilensky, 2006a), we juxtapose agent-based simulations of collaborative problem solving with real-classroom data of students' collaboration in a demographically diverse middle-school mathematics classroom (Abrahamson & Wilensky, 2005b). We validate the computer model by comparing outcomes from running the simulation with outcomes of the real intervention. Findings are that collaboration pedagogy emphasizing group performance may forsake individual learning, because stable division-of-labor patterns emerge due to utilitarian preference of short-term production over long-term learning (Axelrod, 1997). The study may inform professional development and pedagogical policy (see interactive applet: http://ccl.northwestern.edu/research/conferences/CSCL2007/ CSCL2007.html).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCSCL 2007 - Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Conference 2007
Subtitle of host publicationMice, Minds, and Society
Pages46-55
Number of pages10
EditionPART 1
StatePublished - 2007
EventConference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning: Of Mice, Minds, and Society, CSCL 2007 - New Brunswick, NJ, United States
Duration: Jul 16 2007Jul 21 2007

Publication series

NameComputer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL
NumberPART 1
Volume8
ISSN (Print)1573-4552

Other

OtherConference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning: Of Mice, Minds, and Society, CSCL 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Brunswick, NJ
Period7/16/077/21/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Education

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