The Symbolic Dynamics of Self-Regulated Learning: Exploring the Application of Orbital Decomposition

• In Event: Exploring Learning Processes and Assessment Through Complex Systems Theory

Abstract

This empirical study applies theoretical and methodological contributions from complexity science (Guastello, 2011) to self-regulated learning (SRL; Zimmerman & Schunk, 2011), in order to investigate patterns of visual attention during studying. Orbital decomposition applied to coded footage of 24 college students’ individual learning episodes revealed how particular materials initiated different repeating sequences of visual attention and how materials promoted more or less variability and stability in the range of these sequences. Differences in materials’ impact on nonlinear relationships between entropy indices and proportions of time spent viewing the material were also found. Findings point to complexity-science contributions to SRL research, as well as the contribution of psychological theory to the interpretation and application of symbolic dynamic analytical techniques.

Authors

• Joanna K. Garner, Old Dominion University

• Daniel M. Russell, Old Dominion University