A Web-based Learner-Controlled Adaptive Group Formation Technique

Abstract

This paper presents the learner-controlled adaptive group formation technique offered by the web-based adaptive educational hypermedia system MATHEMA. More specifically, this paper describes why we take into consideration the group effectiveness, concerning the concrete-abstract dimension of learners' learning style, in forming learner groups and how the adaptive group formation algorithm generates a priority list of possible matching candidate collaborators for a certain student, taking into account the abstract or concrete dimension of his/her learning style and his/her possible candidate collaborators' learning style and knowledge level on the current learning goal as well. Moreover, the paper describes how the algorithm supports the learners in selecting the most suitable collaborator, and how it automatically links them up via a chat tool with the aim of negotiating a collaboration agreement. An evaluation of the adaptive group formation of our system indicated that it is usable and useful enough tool for collaborative learning.