Topic:                                                          Adaptive Learning Instruments

Galia Krumova in collaboration with Temenoujka Fuller

2006 - 2008

 
Rationale: In the transition from Industrial to Information Era, the consideration of students feelings and natural actions towards learning are becoming as important as cognitive characteristics of students' learning preferences. To establish more effective model of learning management, the authors compiled data on students' learning orientations and the study time outside of the classroom. The data were used to address critical patterns of students' study time as it depends on students' personality. The idea is to join the theory of learning and observations on the time management of  different students for design and development of more effective and efficient learning environment.

 
Goals and Objective: The goal of this project is to provide justification for flexible learning services for a diverse population of students with different learning styles and learning behavior. The final product is in the form of  curriculum in which an data-based decisions on sequencing of learning events and experiences are used to engage students in active self-directed learning.

 
Implementation:  Conclusion: To increase the synergy between individuals and the educational institution, the educators need to consider the students' natural learning preferences, feelings, and learning intentions throughout the semester. Although students have different learning preferences, the patterns of behavior during the first few weeks of the semester will provide research-based information for selecting the best learning devices online or in traditional classroom. Full Text

 
Results and Future Goals: Guest speakers and workshops with experienced facilitators are used to enhanced learning experiences in critical moments when the natural curiosity and motivation is depleted due to their natural learning preferences. We can not change students' personality, but we can predict the moments in which groups with particular personalities profiles need extra motivation.

We see the future in monitoring students behavior in online learning environment. An appropriate surveys will help the developers of Learning Management Systems to embed the action research directly into the learning environment.  In the future, the first half of the semester, students' learning behavior will be observed and recorded. The data could be used to create flexible learning activities that provide opportunities for self-directed learning.

 
Collaborations, Experiences, Climate, and Culture: The collaboration between the Learning Center at CAC, USA, and the Technical University in Rousse, Bulgaria, was a great opportunity to observe students learning behavior in a learning center, and to apply these observations directly into the classroom management .

 
Acknowledgement: The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of with Learning Orientation Survey provided by Dr. Margaret Martinez, the CEO of the Learning Place. Without the survey provided free of charge by Dr. Martinez, this study will not be possible at all.

We would like to acknowledge the Director of the Learning Center at that time, Jane Ellen Read, Barrington Campbell, and Silvia Gibson for the help with the administration of the survey on Students' Learning Orientations.