Creating a complex learning environment for the mediation of knowledge construction in diverse educational settings

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Authors

Human-Vogel, Salome
Bouwer, Cecilia, 1946-
Bouwer, A.C., 1946-

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Education Association of South Africa (EASA)

Abstract

The role of complex learning environments in the mediation of knowledge construction is examined. The research incorporated activity theory and recent trends in complexity theory and chaos theory. Our main aim was to describe how an understanding of cognition as a complex system can facilitate the challenge of addressing diversity by spawning cognitive interventions that can tolerate and address complexity and non-linearity in thinking and problem-solving. A design experiment format was used for data collection as design experiments lend themselves to the study of cognition in natural and complex settings. Results suggested complex learning environments may be particularly well-suited to the mediation of knowledge acquisition skills, metacognitive awareness, and critical thinking skills.

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Keywords

Complex learning environments, Knowledge construction, Education, Knowledge acquisition, Metacognition, Critical thinking skills, Chaos theory, Complexity theory, Knowledge skills, Thinking skills

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Citation

Human-Vogel, S & Bouwer, C 2005, 'Creating a complex learning environment for the mediation of knowledge construction in diverse educational settings', South African Journal of Education, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 229-238. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_educat.html]