2017 Volume 57 Issue 4 Pages 337-349
This research study addresses the development and practical evaluation of new technology that supports learner self-reflection. Specifically, the study developed concept mapping software equipped with a new “self-others comparison” feature, which supports self-reflection through comparing the thinking processes of oneself with those of others. For this study, we designed and conducted a practical evaluation of Grade 4 science classes that adopted this software. The evaluation included a comparative analysis on the use of the self-others comparison feature. After three analyses, it was indicated that the students who were in a class that used the self-others comparison feature were more active in reaching a thorough examination of their own thinking through comparison with that of others. Moreover, it was indicated that such behavior encouraged reflection on the variation between their own thinking processes and those of others, leading to deeper understanding of the content learned. From these results, it was concluded that the new feature implemented in this research was effective in supporting the self-reflection of learners.
