Collaboration Scripts for Argumentation Based on Activity Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop collaboration scripts as an instructional means to facilitate argumentation in computer-supported collaborative learning, and to analyze their effects. To develop collaboration scripts for argumentation, researchers used activity theory as a conceptual framework and refined the design principles by design-based research. Using LAMS, collaboration scripts for argumentation were developed based on the ArgueGraph. To examine their effects, 72 participants were divided into two groups by internal scripts and randomly allocated to one of three external scripts. Applying mixed methods, researchers analyzed argumentation competence related to the cognitive aspect, examined self-efficacy related to the motivational aspect, and identified the factors influencing collaborative learning processes and outcomes. Researchers found that the internal script is a critical factor to determine the dimensions, degrees, and duration of improvement in argumentation competence. That is, learners with higher internal scripts improved highly in the quality of single arguments, while learners with lower internal scripts improved continuously in the quality of argumentation sequences. The effects of the external scripts varied with the internal script levels and supporting periods. Besides, collaboration scripts for argumentation had positive effects on learners’ selfefficacy, and learners with higher internal scripts had better self-efficacy. The factors influencing collaborative learning processes and outcomes showed different results depending on the learning context. Therefore, when scripting learner’s interaction in CSCL, researchers should design the scripts adaptable to a natural context of activities.