Learning Analytics: A Case Study on Exploring Social Interaction and Problem-Solving Strategies

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to preliminarily verify the concept of personalised and collaborative learning and to formatively observe students' knowledge, skills, problem-solving strategies and social dynamics in the classroom.

Study design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted with 8th grade students (N=21) using the ClassRoom Analytica (CRA) application as part of a thematic unit on ionic bonds. Students participated in digitally facilitated group problem-solving activities guided by predefined parameters for accessing information.

Findings: The use of the CRA application proved highly beneficial in a heterogeneous class as it was responsive to all students and provided the teacher with detailed information about each individual’s role within the class.

Originality/value: This study presents CRA as a novel integration of learning analytics and domain-specific visualisations in the science classroom.