The textbook describes a number of trends in the development of information processing skills. Describe at least four ways in which twelfth graders are apt to differ from sixth graders in their information processing strategies and capabilities

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

From an information processing theory perspective, twelfth graders differ from sixth graders in the following ways (the response should address at least four of these or reflect other developmental trends described in Chapter 7):
? They can focus on a single task for a longer period of time.
? More skills (e.g., in reading, writing, and mathematics) are automatized.
? They may be able to think about a greater number of things simultaneously (i.e., they may have a slightly larger working memory capacity).
? They tend to think faster.
? They increasingly control their cognitive processes (reflecting more involvement of the central executive).
? They have more knowledge to which they can relate new information.
? They have a better integrated knowledge base—one in which pieces of information are interrelated rather than isolated.
? They think more logically (e.g., drawing appropriate conclusions from the information presented).
? They are more likely to organize information they want to learn.
? They are more likely to elaborate on information they want to learn.
? They use learning strategies more effectively.
? They have more knowledge about effective learning strategies.
? They are more self-regulating learners.
? They are more likely to know when they have effectively learned something and when they have not (i.e., they engage in more comprehension monitoring).
? They are more likely to think that knowledge about a topic is tentative and dynamic, rather than certain and unchanging.
? They are more likely to realize that knowledge involves understanding and integrating information rather than memorizing isolated facts.
? They are more likely to realize that knowledge is self-constructed rather than absorbed verbatim.
? They are more likely to realize that learning involves considerable time and effort.