How to build a course that will lead a new student to professional mastery

Contents:

• What is the methodology of cognitive stages
• How the methodology helps the methodologist
• What stages does the path to knowledge consist of?
• How a methodologist can work with cognitive stages

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Deputy Director for Educational Work and a teacher at the college at St. Petersburg State University of Industrial and Technical Sciences with nine years of experience. I am a philosophy tutor and researcher in the field. I have authored over ten scientific publications on the philosophy and methodology of education. I am currently preparing a dissertation on the history of classical philosophy and developing a methodology for cognitive learning. My experience and knowledge allow me to effectively prepare students for the successful defense of their scientific papers.

A learning assistant, andragogue, and author of the Telegram channel "Learning as I Can," offers effective methods and strategies for independent study. On her channel, she shares valuable resources and practical tips to help anyone master new skills and knowledge. Join "Learn the Best Way I Can" to improve your learning abilities and achieve success in your personal and professional life.

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• What is the cognitive stages methodology and how it differs from SJM - the student journey map;
• How this approach helps the methodologist take into account the patterns of human thinking in course design;
• What does the trajectory of knowledge look like - from everyday ideas to mastery;
• How does the cognitive stages methodology compare with the ADDIE and SSDL educational models;
• How to apply this approach in the development of lectures, homework and assessment of results;
• Why visualization of terms is useful at the initial stage of learning, but later it should be abandoned.

What is the cognitive stages methodology

One of the key metrics for online schools and educational platforms is attendance (Completion Rate, COR). Course developers strive to ensure successful completion of students and, to achieve this goal, analyze the educational process from the learner's perspective. In this context, a learning journey map (LJM), specifically its specialized version – a student journey map (SJM), is a useful tool. This tool helps take into account the necessary knowledge and skills, the resources the student faces, as well as emotional difficulties, individual preferences, and career context, which ultimately contributes to increasing the level of success and effectiveness of the educational process.

A diagram displaying the student's emotional attitude to the learning process is an important tool. However, along with the emotional state, it is necessary to pay attention to the cognitive path, which includes the patterns of thinking at various stages of mastering new material. Understanding these patterns helps improve the educational process and promotes deeper knowledge acquisition.

The Dunning-Kruger curve is often used to visualize the initial learning trajectory. A schematic representation of the second trajectory can be achieved using the cognitive journey methodology. This approach demonstrates the complexity of the learning process and allows for the introduction of appropriate educational challenges. Overcoming these challenges leads students to insights that allow them to perceive a subject or task from a new and unexpected perspective. This understanding plays a crucial role in deep learning and fosters critical thinking. SJM and cognitive journey methodology are complementary tools that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of instructional designers. SJM allows for a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of the learning process, while cognitive journey methodology helps develop a deeper understanding of how learners perceive and assimilate information. Together, these approaches create a powerful toolkit for developing educational programs and improving the quality of instruction. Methodologists who use SJM and cognitive stages can more effectively adapt educational materials to the needs and characteristics of the target audience, which leads to better educational outcomes.

• SJM allows for a course to be customized to the target audience profile, meaning it is variable.
• Cognitive stages methodology helps structure the learning experience in accordance with the patterns of thinking, meaning it is more universal.

This methodology promotes the integration of insights into SJM across various cognitive stages, which enhances students' intellectual engagement in the process of mastering new material. This is expected to have a positive impact on COR metrics, improving the overall effectiveness of training.

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Evaluating the effectiveness of an online course is a key aspect for creating high-quality educational content. To properly evaluate a course, it is necessary to consider several key criteria.

First, you should pay attention to the level of participant satisfaction. Surveys and reviews will help you understand how much the course meets students' expectations and how useful they find it. A high level of satisfaction often indicates high-quality material and the instructor's approach.

Secondly, the level of material assimilation is an important indicator. This can be assessed through tests and quizzes to help determine how well students have mastered key concepts and skills. Analyzing test results can provide valuable insight into which topics require further development.

A third important aspect is application of knowledge. Assessing how participants apply learned skills in real-world situations can be an important indicator of course success. This may include completing projects, participating in discussions, or applying skills in the workplace.

Also, it is worth considering the length of the course and its structure. Effective online courses usually have a clear organization that facilitates the learning process and promotes deeper assimilation of the material.

Finally, engagement metrics such as the number of visits, time spent on the platform, and activity in discussions should be analyzed. These data will help understand how actively participants participate in the learning process.

Evaluating the effectiveness of an online course requires a comprehensive approach and taking into account various factors. Systematic analysis of these aspects will improve the quality of the educational content and increase its relevance among students.

How Methodology Helps a Methodologist

Methodologists develop and apply methodologies—specific techniques and methods for organizing the educational process. Their work is primarily practical, aimed at solving educational problems and creating effective learning formats. Methodology, in turn, represents a deeper level of analysis that studies the patterns of cognitive experience and the learning process as a whole. Methodologists working in this field are a group of specialists whose work is primarily theoretical. Knowledge of methodology significantly improves the professional level of methodologists, since theoretical knowledge helps make practical actions more conscious and effective. It is important to understand that the combination of practice and theory allows for achieving higher results in the educational sphere.

The methodology of cognitive stages is based on key concepts that help define the educational trajectory. These concepts include the process of perception, processing, and storage of information, as well as ways of applying knowledge in various contexts. Understanding these stages allows for a more effective organization of the educational process, improving the quality of material acquisition and fostering the development of critical thinking in students. Cognitive stages play a vital role in developing the skills necessary for successful learning and adapting to new challenges. Experience is a key concept in the educational process. Methodologically, it aligns with the concept of constructivism, which emphasizes the importance of students' active participation in organizing their learning. This approach promotes deeper acquisition of knowledge and the development of critical thinking, allowing students not only to perceive information but also to form their own conclusions based on the experience gained.

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Constructivism in teaching: reasons Limited distribution of this effective pedagogical approach

Constructivism is a pedagogical approach that emphasizes the active participation of students in the learning process. This method is based on the idea that knowledge is formed through experience and interaction with the surrounding world. Despite its effectiveness and advantages, constructivism has not become widespread in educational practice.

One of the main reasons is the lack of understanding and acceptance of this approach by educators and educational institutions. Many teachers prefer traditional methods, which provide easier classroom management and predictable results. In addition, modern educational systems are often focused on standardized tests, which do not always correspond to the principles of constructivism.

Another barrier to the spread of constructivism is the lack of appropriate teacher training. Successful implementation of this approach requires not only knowledge of theory but also practical skills, which are not always included in teacher training programs. This creates a gap between the theoretical foundations and actual classroom practice.

It is also worth noting that the implementation of constructivist methods requires significant time and resource investments. Teachers must prepare more complex and interactive lessons, which can cause resistance, especially when time and resources are limited.

Despite these difficulties, constructivism remains an important approach in pedagogy that can significantly improve the quality of education. Its principles are actively discussed in academic circles and are gradually finding their way into modern educational practices. Advances in technology and access to information also facilitate the integration of constructivist methods into teaching, which may lead to their wider application in the future.

Experience in cognitive stages methodology is a structured approach to understanding and analyzing the processes of learning and information perception. This methodology focuses on the sequence of cognitive actions that students go through in the process of acquiring knowledge. Cognitive stages include such important elements as attention, perception, comprehension, memorization, and application.

Using this methodology allows for the effective organization of the educational process, adapting it to different learning styles and levels of preparation. Understanding cognitive stages helps educators and trainers develop more effective curricula aimed at improving student learning and critical thinking.

Therefore, experience with cognitive stages methodology plays a key role in educational practice, contributing to the creation of a more meaningful and effective learning process.

• This is a process in which a person's thinking achieves an unexpected result, resulting in a change in perspective. If a student achieves the expected result, they do not acquire truly new knowledge—they only increase the amount of information within an existing framework. Cognitive experience occurs when a person begins to think differently: for example, to see like a designer, to think like a programmer.
• In real experience, there are no programmed transitions: they occur not because the course author designed them, but because they are embedded in the cognitive patterns of thinking itself and the logic of the subject itself. Methodology allows the methodologist to understand where the potential for these insights lies and to design SJM based on these points. In this sense, they do not invent learning, but rather facilitate it.
• According to the cognitive stages methodology, the goal and outcome of the learning experience are not only the graduate's subject knowledge and skills, but also a new way of thinking. During the learning process, they not only master a skill as a tool, but also, one might say, think with this skill in mind. For example, a web designer not only uses a modular grid to render a website, but also sees the page on a modular grid and thinks with it at the design stage.

Experience is closely related to the concept of "method," which comes from the Greek word "μέθοδος," consisting of the words "μετά" - "after" and "οδός" - "path." This means "path after" or "path after path." An expert with significant experience in their field has completed the first stage of this journey and has a deep understanding of their subject. A methodologist, using cognitive stages methodology, can analyze the expert's experience, identifying universal aspects that distinguish it from individual idiosyncrasies. In this way, the methodologist reconstructs the patterns of experience to convey the expert's knowledge to the student, shaping a new learning path for them. This allows a beginner to quickly master the skills and knowledge accumulated by an expert and adopt his professional thinking.

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Measuring the quality of educational experience in EdTech: importance and methods

Measuring quality In the field of educational technology (EdTech), measuring the quality of the educational experience is a key aspect for the successful development of educational programs and platforms. It allows not only to evaluate the effectiveness of educational solutions but also to identify areas for improvement.

The quality of the educational experience impacts user satisfaction, engagement, and, ultimately, learning success. In an increasingly competitive EdTech market, companies must constantly analyze and optimize their offerings to remain relevant and in demand.

There are several methods for measuring the quality of the educational experience. These include user surveys and questionnaires, analysis of learning metrics such as learning achievement and performance, and the use of analytical tools to evaluate user interaction with the platform.

Understanding student needs and expectations allows for tailoring educational solutions, which in turn contributes to their quality. Furthermore, regular measurement and analysis of data help identify trends and predict changes in the educational process, enabling proactive responses to challenges.

In conclusion, measuring the quality of educational experiences in EdTech is not only necessary for improving competitiveness but also contributes to the creation of more effective and intuitive educational solutions that meet modern user demands.

Methodology is a theoretical framework that guides decision-making when developing a curriculum. It includes the selection of specific teaching methods and formats appropriate to the subject, profession, or skill. In the context of Student Journey Mapping (SJM), the methodological approach focuses on how the student's thinking will function during the learning process. This allows for more effective planning of educational processes and adaptation of teaching methods to the needs of students, which in turn contributes to improved results and the quality of education.

What stages does the path to knowledge consist of?

Experience, as a concept, has its roots in classical philosophy. For the effective application of the described principles in practice, it is advisable to present them in the form of a simplified model. This will allow for a better understanding and application of philosophical ideas in real situations, optimizing processes and improving results.

The methodology is based on the principle of backward design, which places emphasis on the end result. Within the framework of this methodology, the result is not only the acquisition of subject skills and knowledge, but also the formation of a certain type of thinking, which can be called the thinking of a master. Thus, the goal of the educational program is formulated in such a way as to emphasize the importance of the student achieving an independent position. The student should ultimately say: "Now I know how to do it! If I lack something, I can learn it on my own." For example, the program might include practical assignments that promote critical thinking and self-learning skills.

The second version of the formulation emphasizes the student's active role and our responsibility for the result. We didn't simply provide the materials, but also did everything possible to ensure they could effectively assimilate them. This approach emphasizes the importance of interaction between the teacher and the student, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the educational material and the development of skills.

To achieve the desired result, it is useful to refer to the four cognitive stages model. This model allows for a better understanding of the actions required to achieve goals. Each stage represents a key element that facilitates the learning and adaptation process. Understanding these stages helps develop effective strategies and work methods, which in turn leads to the successful completion of assigned tasks. Thus, the application of this model is an important step towards effective results.

Stage zero is the foundation for the formation of professional thinking, which develops in an adult based on their life experience. All knowledge about a profession or skill that a person has before starting training forms their idea of ​​the future. For example, a person understands that design encompasses visual design and ergonomics, and recognizes the high demand for these skills and professions. This awareness becomes a powerful motivation for learning, as they strive to create beauty and convenience, which in turn can generate financial income.

Understanding is formed based on a person's everyday experience, so teaching can utilize this experience by incorporating images familiar to most students into the materials. This helps demonstrate that a new subject is not something distant, but directly related to their lives and interests. Using familiar examples helps students better absorb information and see the practical significance of the material they are studying.

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For experts looking to share their knowledge with a wider audience, it is important to follow a few key guidelines. First, identify your target audience. Understanding their interests and needs will help you tailor your content to their needs. Second, use accessible and understandable language. Complex terms can be off-putting to readers, so strive to explain ideas in a simple and clear manner. Third, diversify your content formats. Video tutorials, articles, infographics, and podcasts will help attract different audiences. Fourth, actively engage with your audience. Answering questions and participating in discussions will create an atmosphere of trust and engagement. Finally, update your materials regularly. This will not only maintain interest but also enhance your expertise in the eyes of your audience. By following these tips, you can effectively convey your knowledge to a wider audience and build a community of like-minded individuals. Familiarity with the subject encourages students to realize that ideas alone are not enough to successfully solve professional problems. Effectively tackling even simple tasks requires a new way of thinking. During this process, students go through three key cognitive stages that shape their analytical abilities and help develop critical thinking skills. These stages play an important role in preparing for professional practice and foster a deeper understanding of the subject.

Dogmatism is a mindset based on the belief in infallible rules and formulas. Students, when learning the fundamentals of their profession, often believe they can always rely on these fundamental principles. At the beginning of their training, they may be attracted by the ease of solving their first tasks using basic algorithms. This leads to the expectation that further training will consist of mastering new, similar algorithms. As a result, trust in the learning platform and its experts is formed, which can be both an advantage and a limitation in the development of critical thinking and the ability to adapt to new conditions.

A methodologist working at the design stage in SJM should focus on motivating students and shaping their understanding of the subject, profession, and skills. It is important to emphasize the basic principles and algorithms that form the foundation of learning. At the dogmatism stage, it's necessary to establish systematicity, order, and structural relationships in subject knowledge, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the material and its application in real life. This approach promotes a more conscious perception of information and the development of key competencies necessary for career success. At the skepticism stage, students realize that basic rules, formulas, diagrams, and algorithms can be relative and not always applicable. This realization can lead to disappointment with new knowledge and reduce trust in the learning platform and instructors. From a methodological perspective, this reaction is natural. When developing training modules, methodologists should consider the onset of the skepticism stage. It is important to integrate elements of uncertainty and ambiguity into the learning material and assignments. The use of appropriate methods and formats will gently guide the student through this complex stage of learning, facilitating further development and deepening of knowledge.

The skepticism stage in learning is an important process during which the student begins to rely on their own abilities and develop creative thinking. A successful outcome of this stage is the ability to find unconventional solutions in situations where traditional algorithms do not produce the desired result. Mistakes are no longer perceived as failures; instead, they become a source of inspiration and an opportunity to generate effective and original ideas. This approach not only promotes deepening of knowledge but also develops confidence in one's abilities, which is a key element of successful learning.

Mastery represents a level of thinking that combines the fundamental laws of the subject and achieved independence. The formula for mastery can be represented as: mastery = knowledge + creation. Based on the experience gained in previous stages of learning, the student realizes that their skepticism arose not from the fallacy of rules and formulas, but from their limitations. There are problems that require a creative approach to algorithms to solve. It's important to understand that without basic knowledge, such problems are inaccessible. A master uses algorithms as a foundation for working beyond the boundaries of traditional algorithmic thinking. Key parameters of mastery are flexibility of thinking, the ability to creatively solve problems, and a deep understanding of the fundamentals of the subject.

• I know how;
• I understand why it is so;
• I can explain it to others.

A master is a person who follows the logic of their profession and is able to adapt to non-standard situations. They know how to cope with mistakes and find the right solutions in difficult situations. This mindset indicates that a person has truly mastered a new profession and is deservedly considered a graduate of the course. Mastering the art of design involves a deep understanding of the laws of aesthetics and ergonomics, the ability to "see" them and apply them in practice, as well as maintaining boundaries and appropriateness in the creative process. A true master is capable of creating harmonious and functional solutions that meet user needs and the demands of the modern market.

How a Methodologist Can Work with Cognitive Stages

In the summer of 2021, we organized a series of methodological masterclasses for the Skillbox team of methodologists, during which we adapted the four cognitive stages to the SJM methodology. We also compared this methodology with two popular educational program design models—ADDIE and SSDL. This allowed us to better understand the effectiveness of various approaches to teaching and course development.

• Within the ADDIE model, methodological work unfolds at the course design and development stages. Understanding the characteristics of each cognitive stage helps us select the necessary training formats for specific modules, and when working with experts, we can extract universal knowledge from their personal experience. During the program evaluation phase, a methodological perspective can be useful for comparing the resulting course with the cognitive stages map.
• The SSDL (Staged Self-Directed Learning Model) assumes that students move from a dependent position to independence throughout a course, which is comparable to the logic of cognitive stages—from dogmatism to mastery. If you are mapping a course using the SSDL model and describing the motivational trajectory within the course, the methodology can be used to identify tasks, activities, and resources that facilitate cognitive insights and move the student from a dependent position to an engaged position. Thus, the SSDL model includes a column reflecting the student's thinking style—how (not what) they think about the subject.

A methodologist can effectively use the cognitive stages methodology when developing a course. For example, at the information acquisition stage, it is important to present the material in an accessible and understandable form so that students can easily assimilate the knowledge. Next, during the information processing stage, the methodologist can use various techniques, such as group discussions or interactive assignments, to promote deeper understanding of the material. During the knowledge application stage, it is important to provide students with opportunities to practice new skills through real-world tasks and projects. Finally, during the performance evaluation stage, the methodologist can use various forms of feedback to help students recognize their achievements and identify areas for improvement. Thus, the use of cognitive stages allows for a more effective and holistic educational process.

To begin learning effectively, it's important to connect new material to students' personal experiences. This can be done through various presentation methods. It's recommended to ask the lecturer to provide examples demonstrating the impact of the profession being studied and its results on people's daily lives. This approach will help students better understand the significance of the topic and increase their engagement in the learning process.

During the skepticism stage, it's helpful to conduct a lecture with pre-planned errors that students will easily recognize based on the material they've previously covered. This will help develop students' critical thinking. In the final modules, you can build on this experience by referencing previously acquired skills and knowledge, helping students independently make connections between topics.

To successfully master a profession or skill, students need to effectively memorize key terms and concepts. One effective way to achieve this goal is to create a checklist of new words that students encounter early in their learning. This approach not only promotes better memorization but also a deeper understanding of the material, which is the foundation for further professional growth.

At the final stage of the learning process, it's important to initiate the reverse process—learning visualization. Invite students to create a table, diagram, mind map, or slides for a key subject-matter task. This will allow them to break down the vast amount of knowledge they've acquired into simpler elements. Students will be able to independently restructure and present the material in a simple and accessible form, which contributes to better assimilation and understanding of the subject being studied.

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Creation Effective Assignments for Online Course Students: A Guide for Beginner Instructional Designers

When developing assignments for online courses, it's important to consider several key aspects to ensure maximum engagement and comprehension. First and foremost, it's important to clearly define the goals and objectives of the assignment. This will help students understand exactly what's expected of them and what skills they should develop.

The second key point is structuring the assignment. It should be logically organized and easy to understand. Use simple wording and avoid complex terms unless necessary. Divide the assignment into sections so students can gradually master the material and don't feel overwhelmed.

It's also worth considering methodological approaches. Include a variety of formats in assignments, such as tests, essays, projects, or practical tasks. This will accommodate different learning styles and increase student interest in the material. Don't forget about feedback: providing constructive assessment will help students improve their skills and understanding of the topic.

Finally, it's important to consider the relevance and applicability of the assignments. Link topics to real-world scenarios and problems so students can see the practical application of their knowledge. This will increase motivation and engagement. By following these guidelines, you can create effective and engaging assignments for online students that promote learning and development. Visualizing terms is a useful tool in the early stages of learning. However, deep study of a particular area requires not only knowledge but also understanding, which requires active thinking. At a certain stage, visualization can slow down the development process, distracting attention to external aspects, while the student is already ready to delve into the essence of the term and master its internal content. It is important to strive for a deeper understanding of the subject to achieve true mastery in the field. In learning to teach, students study Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives and learn to solve problems based on six key building blocks. However, after a deep understanding of the essence of the stages of this taxonomy, the need for their visualization loses its relevance. Students need a systemic perception of these entities and their relationships with other aspects of the educational process. In this context, maintaining a rigid attachment to a hierarchy of visual structure is inappropriate, as this can hinder a rethinking of educational goals. Soviet philosopher Evald Ilyenkov emphasized that visualization is often a mask for abstraction, establishing a schema that may fail to consider the systemic interrelations of the subject itself. These ideas can be found in his article "Learn to Think!" and in Vasily Davydov's book "Types of Generalization in Teaching: Logical and Psychological Problems of Constructing Academic Subjects." Researching these approaches contributes to a deeper understanding of educational processes and the development of flexible thinking in future methodologists. Students typically begin a course with a superficial understanding of the subject, profession, or skill. If, after introductory lessons, they begin to use professional terms and specific jargon, for example, when discussing homework or taking tests, and can also describe possible career paths that open up after completing the course, this indicates that their understanding of the profession has deepened and meets professional standards. This process marks the successful completion of the first stage of learning.

The dogmatic stage of mastering the material is considered complete when the student confidently navigates the basic tools. They are able to select them correctly depending on specific tasks and can clearly explain their actions in homework assignments, indicating the reasons for their decisions.

Successful overcoming of the skeptical "valley of despair" can be determined by the student's confidence in completing assignments without clear step-by-step instructions. Such a student doesn't despair when standard solutions fail, doesn't turn to a mentor or instructor for ready-made answers, and views mistakes as professional challenges and opportunities for growth. Mastering the stage of programming mastery manifests itself in the student's ability to unexpectedly combine several standard algorithms to solve non-standard problems. This skill demonstrates a deep understanding of algorithmic principles and a creative approach to problem solving. Effective use of algorithms in unique situations underscores the developer's level of professionalism and readiness for complex programming challenges.

Let's consider a modular grid in web design as an example. A student's attitude toward this tool changes at various cognitive stages. Initially, they may only assume that designers use some tool to organize website elements. After the first few lessons of the course, the student realizes that the website layout has a structure, which they begin to call a modular grid. This understanding helps them better understand design principles and organize content more effectively. The modular grid becomes the foundation for creating harmonious and functional web pages, an essential skill for any web designer.

During the dogmatism stage, the student delves deeper into the tool, exploring its typology, patterns, and optimal application. However, over time, they realize that the modular grid is not a universal solution. In some cases, other types of grids are used, and sometimes professionals intentionally break their rules to achieve specific goals. This flexibility in design approaches enables the creation of unique and effective solutions adapted to various tasks and requirements.

Understanding the relativity of basic tools indicates the development of a skeptical mindset. The master approach emerges when the student returns to the modular grid, independently identifying scenarios for its application and justifying the choice of this tool compared to alternatives. This process deepens knowledge and skills, which facilitates more effective use of the modular grid in various contexts.

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