Abstract
Conceptual change involves the acquisition of new cognitive resources (e.g., mental models) for thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Conceptual change, especially the development of robust mental models related to complex phenomena, is essential in continuing healthcare education (including medicine, nursing, public health, and social work). Jonassen’s work related to mindtools (also known as cognitive tools) and conceptual change has been influential in the development of interactive simulations designed to foster experiential learning opportunities for healthcare professionals. Experiential learning results when people engage in purposeful reflection about their experiences. The experiences that foster the kind of reflection and meaning making necessary for new conceptual change can occur in the real world (e.g., stitching a wound) or in a virtual world (managing a cancer patient within an interactive multimedia simulation). Cognitive tools are ‘‘technologies that enhance the cognitive powers of human beings during thinking, problem solving, and learning’’ (Jonassen & Reeves, 1996, p. 693). This chapter reviews the literature on simulations as cognitive tools that enable experiential learning in support of conceptual change in continuing healthcare education. In addition, the chapter prescribes an educational design research agenda to advance the state-of-the-art of simulation development and theory in this area.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Learning, problem solving, and mindtools |
| Subtitle of host publication | Essays in honor of David H. Jonassen |
| Editors | J. Michael Spector, Barbara B. Lockee, Sharon Smaldino, Mary Herring |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Chapter | 4 |
| Pages | 55-65 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780203111062 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780415524360, 9780415524353 |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- cognitive tool
- conceptual change