The effect of encouraging self evaluation on children's ability to transfer the use of mnemonic strategy

Jones, Helen and Ridgway, James and Bremner, J. Gavin (1983) The effect of encouraging self evaluation on children's ability to transfer the use of mnemonic strategy. Human Learning: Journal of Practical Research and Applications, 2 (4). pp. 327-338. ISSN 0277-6707

Abstract

84 children divided into 3 age groups (5 yrs to 6 yrs 9 mo, 8 yrs 1 mo to 9 yrs 10 mo, and 10 yrs 11 mo to 11 yrs 11 mo) were tested on a memory task before and after being given training in the use of a mnemonic strategy. Half of them were asked a series of questions aimed at making them evaluate their improved performance when using the strategy. All age groups improved their performance after strategy training. However, in the younger groups, only those Ss given performance evaluation questions used the strategy in a subsequent task. On the other hand, 11-yr-olds in the evaluation and nonevaluation groups transferred the strategy to the new task. It is argued that older children spontaneously evaluate their performance, whereas younger children need help. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)