Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research proposed by the 21st Century Center for Research and Development in Cognition and Science Instruction?

The central research question posed by the Center is: Can the implementation of cognitive science principles help increase student learning and raise performance on high stakes tests?

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How was the Center established?

This National Center was established as a result of a competitive grant awarded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)...

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What is the rationale for conducting the proposed middle school study?

Current levels of science achievement suggest that the United States is not preparing...

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Why is the research being conducted at the middle school level?

Middle school is the age at which children’s identities tend to solidify...

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What is Cognitive Science?

Cognitive science may be simply defined as the study of the mind and...

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What specific cognitive principles were used in this research?

The Center used four major principles from the cognitive science research literature...

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What are the specific project goals associated with this research?

After developing and applying the three theoretically driven cognitive principles...

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Who are the sample populations for the study?

The focus of the study were middle schools science classrooms in 180 schools in multiple districts...

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How was the research design constructed?

The study focused on grades 6, 7 and 8. The researchers randomly assigned...

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What were the intended benefits for students?

Students learn meta-cognitive skills that will help them understand...

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What were the benefits for school districts?

Among the many benefits were...

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What were the requirements for participation?

The District were asked to cooperate in all of the following areas...

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