Title: Activity- and taxonomy-based knowledge representation framework

Authors: Birgit Marte, Christina M. Steiner, Juergen Heller, Dietrich Albert

Addresses: Cognitive Science Section, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria. ' Cognitive Science Section, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria. ' Psychological Institute, University of Tuebingen, Friedrichstrasse 21, 72072 Tuebingen, Germany. ' Cognitive Science Section, Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria

Abstract: Elaborations of Competence-based Knowledge Space Theory (CbKST) incorporate skills that refer to the conceptual information of the domain as well as to the activities learners are expected to perform in this context. Thus, they are suggested as a formal knowledge representation framework that is able to take into account current activity-oriented pedagogical trends in designing effective Units of Learning (UoL). The broad array of required behaviour to be achieved by learners demands a search for instruments like taxonomies that allow for conceptualising activities, and consequently, skills and learning objectives. It is shown that the availability of such a taxonomy-based framework may be utilised in order to enhance the access and interface functionalities of learning systems. In particular, the selection of proper learning units and the delivery of effective feedback mechanisms on the teaching and learning progress are facilitated.

Keywords: knowledge representation; knowledge space theory; skills; competences; learning objectives; learning activities; taxonomies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2008.020654

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2008 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.189 - 202

Published online: 08 Oct 2008 *

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