%0 Journal Article %T Exploring Language Learners’ Cognitive Processes in On-line ESP Courses via Think-aloud Protocol Analysis %J Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning %I University of Tabriz %Z 2251-7995 %A Ghonsooly, Behzad %A Shams, Mohammad Ali %D 2012 %\ 11/21/2012 %V 4 %N 9 %P 1-32 %! Exploring Language Learners’ Cognitive Processes in On-line ESP Courses via Think-aloud Protocol Analysis %K E-learning %K Cognitive Processes %K Think-aloud %K Cognitive apprenticeship %K Instructional design %R %X The present study aims to investigate language learners’ cognitive processes in on-line ESP courses. Three modes of inquiry are used: think-aloud protocol analysis, screen capture analysis, and correlation analysis. The theoretical foundations for the evaluation of the cognitive aspect of Ferdowsi Univeristy of Mashhad E-learning System are drawn from cognitive load theory, cognitive apprenticeship theory and human-computer interactivity theory. 15 users were interviewed while their performance on the screen was recorded electronically. The results of qualitative and quantitative analyses show that design features have a meaningful effect on the users’ performance in four phases of cognitive interaction with e-learning systems. The educational implications of the findings for software developers are discussed. %U https://elt.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_599_1ee0746136ec3ba6661c9b5e63809631.pdf