Applying Cognitive Science to Education Thinking and Learning in Scientific and Other Complex Domains

This book provides an introduction to cognitive issues relevant to thinking and learning in scientific and other STEM domains, including mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, or expository writing.

The author, who was Professor of Physics at the University of California, explores the relevance of cognitive science to education, examining the kinds of knowledge and thought processes needed for good performance. In particular, he focusses on the difficulties faced by students trying to deal with unfamiliar scientific domains, explicit teaching methods that can help students learn the requisite knowledge and develop thinking skills, and how such methods can be implemented by instructors or textbook authors.