Efficient, Motivational, and Effective Strategies for Complex Learning: Computer-Based Simulation Experiments in Troubleshooting
A. Aubteen Darabi, Eric G. Sikorski, David W. Nelson and Srinivas Palanki
Sixty-seven chemical engineering students participated in two experiments using a computer-based simulation to diagnose malfunctions of a chemical plant. The results demonstrate the efficiency, motivational attributes, and effectiveness of three instructional strategies. The strategies known in the instructional literature as worked-examples were more efficient and had better motivational attributes. The conventional problem solving strategy, however, was more effective. The instructional implications of using these strategies for chemical engineering education are discussed.