How Different Types of Uncertainty Affect Learning, Transfer, Curiosity, and Affect

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Students' Learning Strategies and Interventions

Abstract

We examined the effect of different types of uncertainty in instruction on student learning, transfer, curiosity, and affect. Students were randomly assigned to one of three groups, one that experienced no uncertainty (control group) and two that did. The two uncertainty conditions differed in whether or not students were primed to expect the uncertainty (expected uncertainty group vs. unexpected uncertainty group). While students in all three groups improved equally in learning from pretest to posttest, the uncertainty groups performed better on transfer problems and experienced more curiosity than those in the other two groups. However, those in the no uncertainty group experienced less negative affect than those in the unexpected uncertainty group. Implications for classroom instruction are discussed.

Authors

• Marianna Lamnina, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Catherine Chase, Teachers College, Columbia University