Activity-led learning approach and group performance analysis using fuzzy rule-based classification model

In order to enhance students' problem-solving competences it is necessary to develop their technical skill as well as their soft skills such as business, communication and team working. In this paper, we present an Activity-Led Learning (ALL) approach and analyze its impact on students' engagement (time-on-task), satisfaction and group performance. We propose a Group Performance Model (GPM) to deploy ALL effectively in the master-level, Network Planning and Management, module. The model provides a structure within which students are introduced to the ALL pedagogical methodology. The model systematically helps to facilitate group formation and allows group integration and cooperation by developing `common ground' amongst group members. In order to evaluate the usage of GPM in ALL, we conducted group performance analysis using a fuzzy rule-based classification model. The results of the analysis showed that the application of GPM resulted in a reduction in overall time spent on tasks, while achieving better grades. This indicates that GPM can help groups to develop common ground, coordinate their activities and overcome inter-personal issues to achieve better overall performance in shorter times as opposed to groups in which GPM has not been applied. Students' direct feedback on module also shows the effectiveness of ALL on students' performance in general.

[1]  Claire Howell Major,et al.  Foundations of Problem Based Learning , 2004 .

[2]  Gordon Joughin.  Distance Learners' Approaches to Studying: The Nature of "Deep" and "Surface" Approaches Reconsidered. , 1992 .

[3]  Theresa Beaubouef,et al.  The UNLOCK system: enhancing problem solving skills in CS-1 students , 2001, SGCS.

[4]  S. Gest,et al.  Reading Tutoring for Students at Academic and Behavioral Risk: Effects on Time-on-Task in the Classroom , 2005 .

[5]  Matthew Chalmers,et al.  Proceedings of the Eighth European Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, 14-18 September 2003, Helsinki, Finland , 2003, ECSCW.

[6]  付伶俐.  打磨Using Language,倡导新理念 , 2014 .

[7]  Margarida Romero,et al.  Gestion du temps dans les activités projet médiatisées à distance , 2010 .

[8]  C. Bonwell,et al.  Active learning : creating excitement in the classroom , 1991 .

[9]  Rahat Iqbal,et al.  Web 2.0 Support for Activity Led Learning in Computer Science , 2011 .

[10]  R. Mayer.  Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning? The case for guided methods of instruction. , 2004, The American psychologist.

[11]  Miguel Nussbaum,et al.  Implementing collaborative learning activities in the classroom supported by one-to-one mobile computing: A design-based process , 2011, J. Syst. Softw..

[12]  Imad H. Elhajj,et al.  Turning Student Groups into Effective Teams , 2004 .

[13]  Hisao Ishibuchi,et al.  Rule weight specification in fuzzy rule-based classification systems , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems.

[14]  E. Horwitz.  Psychology for Language Teachers: A Social Constructivist Approach , 2002 .

[15]  J. Mendel.  Uncertain Rule-Based Fuzzy Logic Systems: Introduction and New Directions , 2001 .

[16]  Rakesh Agarwal,et al.  Fast Algorithms for Mining Association Rules , 1994, VLDB 1994.

[17]  Regina Rinderer,et al.  Self-Efficacy and Writing: A Different View of Self-Evaluation , 1985 .

[18]  Herbert H. Clark,et al.  Grounding in communication , 1991, Perspectives on socially shared cognition.

[19]  Fatos Xhafa,et al.  CLPL: Providing software infrastructure for the systematic and effective construction of complex collaborative learning systems , 2010, J. Syst. Softw..

[20]  Anne E. James,et al.  Collaborative design of computer network using Activity-Led Learning approach , 2011, Proceedings of the 2011 15th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD).

[21]  Li-Xin Wang,et al.  The WM method completed: a flexible fuzzy system approach to data mining , 2003, IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst..

[22]  Hong Yan,et al.  Fuzzy Algorithms: With Applications to Image Processing and Pattern Recognition , 1996, Advances in Fuzzy Systems - Applications and Theory.

[23]  Alan Rogers.  Activities in self-instructional texts , 1993 .

[24]  B. Tuckman.  DEVELOPMENTAL SEQUENCE IN SMALL GROUPS. , 1965, Psychological bulletin.

[25]  Lucien Duckstein,et al.  Fuzzy Rule-Based Modeling with Applications to Geophysical, Biological and Engineering Systems , 1995 .

[26]  Pierre Dillenbourg,et al.  The Evolution of Research on Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning , 2009 .

[27]  Gregory C. Petty,et al.  A New Look at Selected Employability Skills: A Factor Analysis of the Occupational Work Ethic. , 1995 .

[28]  C. Bonwell,et al.  Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom. ERIC Digest. , 1991 .

[29]  N. Nguyen,et al.  Time on task mediates the conscientiousness - performance relationship , 2008 .