Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext as a Learning Environment in Economics :

Instructional design in complex subjects requires the application of a sophisticated theory of cognition. Instructional techniques and strategies that work at the knowledge and comprehension stages of cognitive development may actually inhibit learning at more advanced levels. Evaluation and synthesis require a different cognitive paradigm. The theory of cognitive flexibility is a case-based approach for the development of upper-level cognitive skills, particularly the ability to transfer knowledge to novel situations. This paper applies the theory of cognitive flexibility to instructional design in economics. An example from monetary economics illustrates the adaptation of cognitive flexibility hypertext to a knowledge management interface. ** * ”Simplification of complex subject matter makes it easier for teachers to teach, for students to take notes and prepare for tests, for test-givers to construct and grade tests, and for authors to write texts. The result is a massive “conspiracy of convenience”. Spiro, et al, 1987, p.180. ** The URL for the interface is http://brainserver.thebrain.com/get.asp?i=a3f95