Designing a Framework to Facilitate Metacognitive Strategy Development in Computer-Mediated Problem-Solving Instruction

Metacognition is a key component of ill-structured problem solving. As such, there is a need for instructional design guidance for metacognitive skill development. This study addressed this need through the creation of a computer-based interactive content design framework to guide the design of metacognitive scaffolds for ill-structured problem-solving instruction. It utilized a type II design and development research approach and formative design principles to create a comprehensive and generalizable instructional design framework. The framework was composed by synthesizing research and practical literature and evaluated by experts in related fields. Key components of the framework include metacognitive strategies, instructional design strategies, interactive media types, question prompts, and feedback. Instructors, course developers, and other key stakeholders could follow the guidelines proposed in this framework to create metacognitive-based ill-structured problem-solving instruction using e-Learning authoring tools. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice, as well as adds to literature in media research with focusing on utilizing various media types to create effective learning materials.