Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

1 Introduction

    1.1 Methodology

    1.2 Cognitive Mapping and Frames of Reference

    1.3 Research Questions and Purpose

    1.4 Limitations of Study

    1.5 Significance of the Research

    1.6 Social Software and Communities of Inquiry

2 Theoretical Foundations and Review of Literature

    2.1 Theoretical Foundation and Key Definitions

        2.1.1 Culture

        2.1.2 Language

        2.1.3 Relationship with Environment

    2.2 Neo-Vygotskyian Studies and Digitally-mediated Curricula

3 Detailed Description of Research Methodology and Implementation of Intervention

    3.1 The Pilot Study

    3.2 The Main Study

        3.2.1 Research neighbourhoods

        3.2.2 Pre- and Post-tests

        3.2.3 Orienteering task

        3.2.4 Perspectives task

        3.2.5 Peer critique and presentation

    3.3 Evaluation of design

    3.4 Modes of Discourse and Conversational Frameworks

        3.4.1 Task frames (leading pair)

        3.4.2 Interactional scaffolds

        3.4.3 Acknowledgments

        3.4.4 Task frames (following pair)

        3.4.5 Clarifications

        3.4.6 Follow-ups

4 Results and Discussion of Main Study

    4.1 Pre- and Post-tests

    4.2 Orienteering Task

    4.3 Perspectives Task

    4.4 Peer Critique

5 Comparison of Two Specific Cases at the Same Field Site

    5.1 Case One - Team 'Little Guilin' (A)

        5.1.1 Introduction

        5.1.2 Orienteering task

        5.1.3 Cognitive maps

        5.1.4 Perspectives task

    5.2 Case Two - Team 'Little Guilin' (B)

        5.2.1 Introduction

        5.2.2 Orienteering task

        5.2.3 Cognitive maps

        5.2.4 Perspectives task

   5.3 Summative discussion

6 Multiple Interpretations and Pre- / Misconceptions: the Case of Team 'Jurong East'

   6.1 Introduction

   6.2 Orienteering task

   6.3 Cognitive maps

   6.4 Perspectives task

   6.5 Summative discussion

7 Conclusion

   7.1 Overview of Design & Summary of Primary Findings

   7.2 Adolescent Explorations and Understandings of Local Environments

   7.3 Adolescent Communication of Environmental Understanding

   7.4 Adolescent Communication of Navigational Information

   7.5 The Role of Messaging in Augmenting Environmental Understanding

   7.6 Limitations and Areas for Further Research

Bibliography