Page 208 - Pedagoška vizija / A Pedagogical Vision

Eleonora Doz, Mara Cotič, and Maria Chiara Passolunghi

and domain-general factors (that is, cognitive factors fundamental in a va-
riety of different tasks).

Domain-Specific Cognitive Components
A model of the cognitive processes involved in problem-solving has been
proposed by Passolunghi, Lonciari, and Cornoldi (1996) and later by Lucan-
geli, Tressoldi, and Cendron (1998). The model is presented in figure 2 and
posits that the problem-solving process comprises five cognitive compo-
nents: text comprehension, representation, categorization, planning, and
metacognition. According to this model, the problem-solving process begins
with text comprehension, where the solver tries to understand the problem’s
scenario. Text comprehension encompasses linguistic knowledge for under-
standing words and sentences, semantic knowledge for inferring implica-
tions, and knowledge of mathematical terminology (e.g. ‘more’). It assumes
a supraordinate role, as an inaccurate comprehension of the problem’s text
can detrimentally impact all other components of the problem-solving pro-
cess. The representation involves connecting the solution-relevant informa-
tion into a coherent mental representation of the problem situation. During
categorization, the solver recognizes the problem’s deep or mathematical
structure. In the planning process, the solver creates a solution plan accord-
ing to the solution method and strategies and executes the operations. Fi-
nally, metacognition refers to the individual’s awareness and understanding
of their own thought processes, including the ability to monitor, control, and
regulate cognitive activities (Brown 1978). Metacognitive abilities play a cru-
cialrolethroughouttheproblem-solvingprocess,enablingsolverstoanalyse
the task’s structure more effectively, flexibly choose appropriate strategies,

Text comprehension

Representation Categorization Planning Metacognition

Solution

Figure 2 Cognitive Components of Word Problem-Solving According to the Model
by Passolunghi, Lonciari, and Cornoldi (1996) and Lucangeli, Tressoldi,
and Cendron (1998)

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