Learning processes of students in competence based pre-vocational secondary education

The purpose of this study was to validate a causal and hierarchical model to elaborate on the relation between goal orientations, information processing strategies and development of conceptual knowledge of pre-vocational secondary education-students. This model can be used to describe students' learning processes in competence-based education. Preferences of students (n=719) for certain types of goals and information processing strategies were examined using questionnaires. The development of conceptual knowledge was investigated by having students create concept maps before and after a learning situation (e.g. project). Results of causal and hierarchical analyses showed that students' preferences for mastery and performance goals positively affected their preferences for using deep processing strategies. Performance of surface processing strategies had a negative effect on the development of conceptual knowledge.