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11 - Microgenetic Methods

from Part II - Methodologies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2022

By
Bruce L. Sherin  and
Clark A. Chinn
Edited by
R. Keith Sawyer
R. Keith Sawyer
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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Summary

Microgenetic methods are used to analyze moment-to-moment processes of learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Microgenetic methods are useful when studying learning that does not occur in a straight line from lesser to greater understanding, but rather occurs through a learning trajectory that includes iterative and unpredictable paths and sometimes even setbacks or failure. Microgenetic methods are also useful in studying learning that is mediated by tools and artifacts in the learning environment, and what role those artifacts play in the developing learning trajectory. These methods are time-consuming and it’s not practical to conduct studies with large sample sizes or that occur over very long periods of time; rather, the focus is on developing a deep and thorough understanding of a specific learning environment and then to generalize those findings to a broader range of contexts. Microgenetic methods are particularly well-suited to five types of research questions: questions about the variability or stability of strategies; events that precipitate or initiate change; co-occurring events and processes; trajectories or paths of change; and the rate of change.

Keywords

learning trajectorymediated learningconceptual changevideo recordingdata analysis
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences , pp. 217 - 237
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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