DeCorte, Abstract

De Corte, E., L. Verschaffel et al. (2003), Powerful Learning Environments. Unravelling Basic Components and Dimensions, Pergamon.

Over the past ten to fifteen years international research on learning and instruction has undergone important developments. New theoretical frameworks, design principles, and research methodologies focusing on the construction, implementation, and evaluation of powerful learning environments have been put forward, coming from three intersecting subdomains within the broader field of research on learning and instruction, namely instructional psychology, instructional technology, and instructional design

Although developments in these subdomains are characterized by similarities and convergencies, but there are still important differences. Therefore, there is a need for scientific debate and attempts to integrate, or justify, the contrasting theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical outcomes.

A European research network, coordinated by the Center for Instructional Psychology and Technology of the University of Leuven, has been set up to work towards this end. This volume is the first collective output of this European research network, and focuses on unravelling and identifying basic components and dimensions of powerful learning environments. It is based on the presentations and discussions that constituted the 'piece de résistance' of a first meeting of the research network.