Project Investigator(s): Agnes d’Entremont, Instructor, Mechanical Engineering, Juan Abello, Negar M. Harandi, Jonathan Verrett
Project Description
Online homework systems allow students to input answers to calculated problems, and get instant feedback on correctness. These systems often allow students multiple attempts, allowing them to correct errors in understanding. We would like to determine if patterns of usage (such as attempting problems at the start of the week, then reattempting later (e.g. after visiting an instructor)) can be found among students, and if certain patterns of usage are related to better outcomes (higher homework/exam grades). If we can identify patterns associated with better outcomes, we may be able to make adjustments to courses to promote those patterns.
Research Questions
Are certain patterns of WeBWorK usage (e.g. starting soon after release, steady progress during assignment period) associated with higher exam scores in engineering courses? Do patterns of WeBWorK usage change over the course/between courses? Are certain patterns of WeBWorK completion (e.g. persisting to get all the questions correct) associated with higher exam scores? Do patterns of WeBWorK completion change over the course/between courses? Are individual results on questions with lower completion rates associated with exam scores in engineering courses? Are number of attempts associated with completion in questions with lower completion rates?
Impact on teaching and learning at UBC
If we can identify patterns associated with exam success (proxy for learning), it may be possible to better design WeBWorK assignments (even up to modifying the underlying system), or better incorporate them into pedagogy, to positively impact student learning. Further prospective studies could be completed comparing methods. For example, the system could provide part of the mark for a homework set based on how many attempts were completed within the first three days with the correct order of magnitude submitted answer, to encourage students to meaningfully attempt the problems.