Case Studies in Learning by Teaching Behavioral Differences in Directed versus Guided Learning

Our studies with Betty’s Brain, a learning by teaching environment, have shown that the system is effective in helping fifth grade students gain a good understanding of river ecosystem concepts. The use of self-regulation strategies demonstrated that the learning gains transferred to new domains where students worked without the self-regulation system. This paper analyzes the log files of the student activities to determine which activities in the learning environment contribute to the students developing metacognitive strategies that contribute to their preparation for future learning.