Support for Cognitive Apprenticeship in Object- Oriented Model Construction

We discuss a design solution for a learning environment for students of object-oriented modeling. The learning environment consists of three tools and is explicitly based on work on situated learning and work on cognitive apprenticeship. An overall goal in this work has been to ensure a design that is well grounded both theoretically and empirically. The design of the tools relate to central issues in the theories such as: authenticity in problem-solving, observation of experienced practitioners, the language use of experienced practitioners, and self-reflection on one’s own problem-solving. Theoretical and practical design considerations are presented for each of the three tools. Two of the three tools directly focus on authentic activity and are therefore based on studies of how experienced practitioners solve problems. The third tool is designed to support aspects of reflection and meta-cognition. We also present a short example of students using the learning environment.