Open Learning Initiative

Davenport, J., Yaron, D., Klahr, D., Koedinger, K. (2008).  When do diagrams enhance science learning?  First Annual Inter-Science of Learning Center Conference.

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Abstract

Many studies suggest that learning is enhanced when instruction includes relevant diagrams. However, diagrams do not always lead to improved outcomes, and relevance may be difficult to determine prior to assessment. We propose a framework consisting of three factors that influence the relevance of a diagram: the learning objective, the information included in the visual representation and the cognitive processing of the learner.