Dear Colleagues,

the University of Education Freiburg invites you to a conference on Instructional Design for Discovery, taking place from July 1st to July 2nd, 2024. Join us in exploring research-based strategies for integrating discovery learning, direct instruction, and multi-phased instructional designs in digitally-enhanced learning environments.

The effectiveness of discovery learning versus direct instruction remains a subject of ongoing debate within the field of education. Each approach carries its own set of pros and cons, and their effectiveness hinges on multiple variables such as the educational context, the specific subject matter, and the unique requirements of learners. While literature often presents polarized viewpoints, advocating strongly for one approach over the other, very recently de Jong et al. (2023) make a plea for researchers to combine or integrate such approaches. In line with this plea, multi-phased instructional designs – such as problem-solving prior to instruction – draw a more nuanced picture and suggest that a combination of elements of both, discovery learning and direct instruction may have special affordances. During this conference, we aim to discuss discovery learning, direct instruction as well as multi-phased instructional designs in digital contexts, considering benefits and drawbacks from a research perspective. Thus, the guiding principle of the conference is:

“Enhancing digital Education: Bridging Discovery and Direct Instruction”

The conference aims to explore instructional design strategies that promote self-regulated exploration as well as direct instruction of new learning materials. We encourage a comprehensive discussion involving various perspectives for both domain-general and domain-specific learning. Hence, participants from diverse fields such as subject-specific education, educational psychology, and educational and learning sciences are invited. Given the widespread adoption of technology in education, the primary emphasis will be on digital instruction.

We are currently planning panels in which research will be presented and discussed. We aim to approach the conference topic from as many perspectives as possible. Even if some sections only consider the conference topic marginally, all contributions will be discussed in the light of the overarching theme. The focus will be on different types of instruction, media and subject-specific didactics.

The focal points are:

  • Creating cognitively-activating tasks and lessons in literature classes
  • Self-regulated exploration in educational videogames
  • Using VR and AR to create explorative learning environments
  • Interactive software in math education
  • Simulations and experiments: Inquiry-based learningin the natural sciences and technical didactics
  • Learning with videos: receiving vs. generating instructional videos
  • Digitally supported learning in physical education: How do digital media influence movement and sport-related learning processes?
  • Benefits of explorative problem solving before direct instruction
  • Learning through self-regulated drawing and concept mapping
  • Teaching concepts not tools – Fostering creative literacies in music

Best Wishes,

Prof. Dr. Timo Leuders
Pro. Dr. Jan Boelmann
Prof. Dr. Katharina Loibl
Prof. Dr. Frank Reinhold
Prof. Dr. Matthias Nückles
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Maik Beege

Schedule

Please note that the following conference program is preliminary. As soon as the submissions and reviews are completed, we will update the program step by step. The final program will be published on this website by April, 30th 2024 at the latest.

Sunday, June 30th 2024 Arrival and get together

  • 18:00 Get together

Monday, July 1st 2024:

  • 09:00 – 12:30 Registration
  • 10:00 – 12:30 Prof. Dr. Ton de Jong (Keynote)
  • 12:30 – 14:00 Lunchbreak
  • 14:00 – 18:00 Sessions I
    • In contrast to conventional conferences, we aim to encourage to an in depth discussion of the overarching topic of the conference from various perspectives. Thus, we want to plan longer sessions that deal extensively with one thematic focus. Five presenters will give a presentation and then encourage a discussion based on impulse questions. For each presentation, we are planning a 20-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute discussion. Additionally, a discussant will summarize relevant information and outline implication for future research and practical application.
    • Based on the sub-topics outlined in the conference letter, 4 to 5 sessions will be held parallel.
  • 19:00 Conference Dinner

Tuesday, July 2nd 2024:

  • 09:00 – 13:00 Sessions II
    • In contrast to conventional conferences, we aim to encourage to an in depth discussion of the overarching topic of the conference from various perspectives. Thus, we want to plan longer sessions that deal extensively with one thematic focus. Five presenters will give a presentation and then encourage a discussion based on impulse questions. For each presentation, we are planning a 20-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute discussion. Additionally, a discussant will summarize relevant information and outline implication for future research and practical application.
    • Based on the sub-topics outlined in the conference letter, 4 to 5 sessions will be held parallel.
  • 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
  • 14:00 – 16:00 Working group meetings and Farewell
    • Would you like to continue discussing the topics of the conference? Would you like to network in order to initiate joint research? Then we would like to invite you to exchange ideas directly at the end of the conference. Feel free to grab a coffee or tea and come to the working group meeting. We provide rooms for working together and brainstorming.
    • Farewell

Submissions

Are you interested in contributing to the conference with a presentation? Then we would like to motivate you to submit an contribution. The submission period begins on January 8th and ends on February 29th. Please submit your application via email to digell-tagung@ph-freiburg.de. Please note the following points to ensure smooth submission:

  • Please submit an abstract with a maximum of 600 words.
  • Regardless of whether you are submitting an empirical study or a theoretical review/meta-analysis, please divide the abstract into the following sections: Theoretical Foundation, Research Question, Methods, Results and Conclusions.
  • Please specify which thematic focus you would like to discuss. Select one of the focal points from the invitation letter and include it in your submission.
    • Creating cognitively-activating tasks and lessons in literature classes
    • Self-regulated exploration in educational videogames
    • Using VR and AR to create explorative learning environments
    • Interactive software in math education
    • Simulations and experiments: Inquiry-based learning in the natural sciences and technical didactics
    • Learning with videos: receiving vs. generating instructional videos
    • Digitally supported learning in physical education: How do digital media influence movement and sport-related learning processes?
    • Benefits of explorative problem solving before direct instruction
    • Learning through self-regulated drawing and concept mapping
    • Teaching concepts not tools – Fostering creative literacies in music
  • Two independent reviewers will look at your submission, give it a score and report back with a short review. You will be informed about the decision on the submission on March 29th.

Presentation Preparation

If your submission for a presentation has been accepted, we would like to give you some advice on how to prepare your presentation.

  • Your presentation consists of a 20-minute talk, followed by a 15-minute discussion.
  • Please keep the overarching conference theme in mind. Even if you only touch on this topic, please present your research in the main conference topic “Instructional Design for Discovery”.
  • Please prepare a final slide with impulse questions to start the discussion. You can act freely here. Feel free to take up the connection to the conference topic, suggest practical implications or potential for future research. It is important to us that you provide initial input that can be taken up by the session chair.
  • We will provide you with a projector and presenter in the room. If you require additional technology (e.g., speakers), please let us know in good time.
  • Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your session starts. The chair of the session will introduce you to all further procedures.

Contact

Do you still have questions? Feel free to contact us under: digell-tagung@ph-freiburg.de