Integrative Learning in Award-Winning Student Writing: A Grounded Theory Analysis

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 66
  In Roundtable Session: Learning and Development Related to Literacies

Abstract

Integration of Learning is a highly valued cognitive outcome which describes the ability to make intellectual connections, to bring two things together and integrate them into one. This study was guided by two research questions: when students integrate learning in award-winning academic writing, what are they integrating; and how do they integrate? Using grounded theory, I examined 32 award-winning student essays to create typologies of what and how students integrate learning. What students integrate appeared to fall into three broad categories: two sources; multiple sources; and metacognitive sources. How students integrate also fell into three broad categories: connection, application, and synthesis. These typologies allowed for the creation of the first empirical definition of integrative learning based on observed demonstrations.

Author

• Ethan W. Youngerman, New York University