Cognitive Work Analysis in Education and Training: Relating Pedagogical Methods to Course Objectives

A systematic research program is described that utilizes cognitive work analysis as an integrative framework within which pedagogical methods based on principles of cognitive science can be systematically harmonized with pedagogical objectives arising from the structure of course content. The test bed for the program was a course in introductory psychology. A work domain analysis was conducted which included both course content and pedagogical methodology. These analyses allowed a clear specification of learning objectives and a corresponding pedagogical to meet these objectives, along with a framework for employing appropriate technology and assessing effectiveness.