The authors examined knowledge, interest, and strategic processing profiles within special education for 4 educational communities. Participants included undergraduates not majoring in special education and undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty from special education. Cluster analysis tested whether participants would exhibit the knowledge, interest, and strategic processing profiles expected for individuals at various stages of expertise. The Model of Domain Learning (MDL) was the theoretical framework for data interpretation. Results provided strong support for the MDL. Specifically, 4 clusters emerged from the data. Clusters (i.e., Acclimation, Early Competence, Mid-Competence, and Proficiency) were statistically distinct with regard to the external criterion, domain-specific analogical reasoning, and in relation to clustering variables. Implications for developmental models of expertise and for educational practice are considered.
In this study, a computerized measure, Interactive Analogical Measure (IAM), was developed and used to assess young children’s ability to reason analogically. The IAM was equipped to provide corrective feedback and the effects of that feedback were tested for experimental and control groups. A group of 5-year-olds (N = 80) participated in the study. Children were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group and the IAM was similarly implemented with the exception of the feedback indicators. There were significant differences between the experimental and control groups for overall performance. Data suggested that the effect of immediate, corrective feedback emerged very early during the test and manifested a cumulative effect across the entire test. It seems that an interactive measure provides meaningful problem-solving experience for young children.
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