Hybrid approach of the fuzzy C-Means and the K-Nearest neighbors methods during the retrieve phase of dynamic case based reasoning for personalized Follow-up of learners in real time

The goal of adaptive learning systems is to help the learner achieve their goals and guide their learning. These systems make it possible to adapt the presentation of learning resources according to learners' needs, characteristics and learning styles, by offering them personalized courses. We propose an approach to an adaptive learning system that takes into account the initial learning profile based on Felder Silverman's learning style model in order to propose an initial learning path and the dynamic change of his behavior during the learning process using the Incremental Dynamic Case Based Reasoning approach to monitor and control its behavior in real time, based on the successful experiences of other learners, to personalize the learning. These learner experiences are grouped into homogeneous classes at the behavioral level, using the Fuzzy C-Means unsupervised machine learning method to facilitate the search for learners with similar behaviors using the supervised machine learning method K- Nearest Neighbors

Interactive learning systems for higher education: Learning styles and students' attitude

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This dissertation reports research concerning the adaptation of learning systems to students' different learning styles (LSs), particularly in relation to the analysis and planning of Interactive Learning Systems (ILSs). Given the primacy of Interactive Learning and its pedagogical implication on educational designs, the motivation for this research is better understanding of students' different learning preferences and perceptions of Computer Mediated Learning Interactions (CMLIs), as this may present some insights into what and how interactivity can be incorporated more purposefully and efficiently into learning systems designs. This research undertakes a review of the literature relating to LSs' theories, which have been used to explore how individual learners approach learning, as well as different Learning Interactions in relation to Interactive Learning Systems (ILSs). The work undertaken in this research makes its contribution to the field in that it represents one of the first explicit investigations of the relationship between students' LSs (Active-Reflective/Visual Verbal dimensions) and their attitude towards different CMLIs that constitute essential part of ILSs, in terms of use, perceptions and learning preferences, from the users' (learners) perspective rather than the teachers and/or designers of these systems. The research provides evidence to support the differing views of learners of different LSs as well as evidence of common attitudes towards certain CMLIs. However, it warns against and highlights some of the limitations of using the LSs in isolation and the importance of considering other factors and aspects of students' individual differences. A model is proposed to guide the planning and design of ILSs, and to raise the designers' and teachers' awareness of learners' differences and call upon them to take necessary steps to consider actual learners' LSs in the learning design. Implications of the findings in terms of interactivity design considerations are discussed; research limitations and recommendations for future work are made

A comparison of computer aided learning and traditional didactic lectures for teaching clinical decision making skills to optometry undergraduates

This study was designed to compare computer aided learning (CAL), in the form of a Virtual Patient (VP), and traditional didactic lectures as methods of teaching clinical decision making (CDM) skills to second year Optometry undergraduates. Comparisons were based on performance in multiple-choice examinations testing CDM skills (actual mastery), student feedback relating to confidence in CDM skills (perceived mastery or self-efficacy) and student satisfaction. The influence of sex, learning style and academic ability was also investigated. This is the first time that these aspects of teaching pedagogy have been studied together. Current literature informed development of didactic lectures and an online VP. Both teaching methods were designed to ensure that the same clinical content was included. This content was aimed at training students to perform problem-orientated eye examinations. A cohort of 102 students was taught using the traditional didactic lectures in academic year 2010-11 and 93 students using the online VP in academic year 2011-12. An established Index of Learning Styles instrument was used to classify students according to their preference in four learning style dimensions. Both teaching methods were designed to cater for both poles of each learning style dimension. Most students had no strong learning preferences but those that did had a tendency towards the active-sensing-visual-sequential profile. Actual and perceived mastery were scored for five key learning objectives; question selection, critical symptom recognition, test selection, critical sign recognition and referral urgency selection. The influence of academic ability and teaching method differed for each learning objective; didactic lectures favouring some, the VP others. Learning style and sex had no influence, indicating that both teaching methods catered equally for males and females with all learning styles. Comparisons between perceived and actual mastery revealed poor self-assessment accuracy. Student satisfaction, rated on a five point Likert scale, was equally high for both teaching methods. Sex was the only influential variable, with males favouring one aspect of VP training. Overall, the findings suggest that CAL should be used to supplement traditional teaching rather than replace it in order to ensure that all students benefit equally. Future research may wish to focus on self-assessment accuracy as a means of improving academic performance

The reflective process among undergraduate dental students: the impact of age, gender, learning styles, learning approaches and the dental environment

PhDAim: To investigate the effect of age, gender, socioeconomic status, academic achievement, learning styles, learning approaches, and the learning environment on the reflective process. Methods: All dental undergraduate students studying at King AbdulAziz University Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) agreed to participate on three occasions of approximately six month intervals between February 2008 and June 2009 (QMREC2007/67). Four previously validated structured questionnaires including demographic details were used to determine students’ learning style (Felder and Soloman, http://www.ncsu.edu/felder-public/ILSpage.html [ILS]), approach to learning and studying (Entwistle, http://www.ed.ac.uk/etl [ALSI]), reflection (Sobral, 2005 [RLS]) and perception of their educational environment as determined by the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Method (Roff et al. 2005, [DREEM]). Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the independent effects on the questionnaires. Results: A total of 624 students (F=347, M=277) were included in the analysis. ILS assessed the undergraduate learning styles: 20.7% active learners, 47.9% sensing, 68.2% visual and 18.1% sequential learners. Sudents adopted different approaches simultaneously. The mean overall DREEM score was (112.76, SD19.54) indicating a more positive view of their environment. Fifty eight percent were ample in their ability to reflect. Females, older students, and from higher socioeconomic background reflect more. In the final student learning model, reflection was positively associated with a deep approach, organised/effort approach, academic self perception and perception of learning, whilst a surface approach was negatively associated with reflection. Students with higher academic achievement were able to 3 reflect and adopt an organised/effort approach, whilst students with lower grades had low reflective scores and adopt a surface approach. Conclusion: KAUFD dental students demonstrate sensing and visual learning styles. An effective learning environment that facilitates reflection results in the development of self directed learners. Self directed students take control over their own learning and are able to employ strategies such as a deep and organised approach to studying that can influence and optimise their learning and academic performance

An adaptive educational system that caters for combination of two models of learning styles

This thesis aimed to explore the affect of combining two models of learning styles (VARK, and Honey and Mumford) in terms of students‘ learning gains and satisfaction. VARK focuses on how the students perceive learning, while Honey and Mumford examines how an individual would like to learn. A web-based educational system was built to test the combination of the two models of learning styles. A study to examine the feasibility of the system was carried out on 129 participants to explore whether the system presented tutorials according to their individual learning styles. A second study to investigate learning gains and user satisfaction was carried out on 149 participants. Satisfaction was divided into three main concepts: usability, preference and perception of learning. Learning gains were tested by giving participants a pre-test, a post-test and a confirmatory test. Participants were divided into four groups and had the lesson presented according to one learning style of either the VARK or Honey & Mumford model, both of the participants‘ learning styles or with no personal customization. The results found that participants who used the two models of learning styles showed higher learning gains and had higher levels of satisfaction across all three factors; compared to those using only one or no learning style. Furthermore, those using only one learning style showed higher learning gains and had higher levels of satisfaction than those with no learning style. The application of these findings would be of benefit to educational institutions‘ decision makers, educators, students and e-learning designers. Adaptation is a key feature of the system of research. It is intended for future work; preliminary research has shown that the users profile and learning item will change over time. This important finding is worth exploring in future research

Working Memory Performance, Learning and Study Strategies and Learning Styles of Dyslexic and Non Dyslexic Adult Learners

Past research has shown that working memory is a good predictor of learning performance. The working memory processes determine an individuals’ learning ability and capability. The current study was conducted to examine the: (a) differences in the working memory performance of dyslexic students in postsecondary institutions, (b) differences in dyslexic students’ study strategies and learning styles, (c) differences in the working memory profiles of non-dyslexic university students based on their disciplines (science versus humanities), (d) differences between non-dyslexic science and humanities students in their study strategies and learning styles, (e) relationship between working memory and study skills and (f) hypothesised memory models that best fit the actual data gathered using structured equation modelling technique. Two separate studies were performed to address these aims. For Study 1, a group of 26 dyslexic individuals along with a group of 32 typical non-dyslexic students were assessed for their working memory and study skills performances. A significant difference in working memory was found between the two groups. The dyslexic group showed weaker performance in the verbal working memory tasks which concurs with previous findings. The result also provides support that weakness in the verbal working memory of dyslexic individuals still exist and persist into adulthood. Significant differences in the students’ study skills were also identified. Dyslexic students reported to be more anxious and concerned about their academic tasks, lack in concentration and attention, less effective in selecting important materials during reading, using less test taking and time management strategies. Significant relationships were found between working memory component and selected study skills. Study 2 was conducted to investigate working memory differences and study skills of non-dyslexic students based on their disciplines. A sample of 168 university learners consisted of 82 sciences and 86 humanities students were recruited. Analysis of data revealed that students from the sciences disciplines show significantly weaker performance in the verbal short-term memory and verbal working memory tasks. Results from both studies showed similarity in the working memory profiles of dyslexic and science students. Findings in both of the studies with regards to the working memory models and learning and study skills are discussed with practical implications and recommendations for future research

Neuroplasticidad: reconstrucción, aprendizaje y adaptación

El objetivo de este capítulo es analizar el fenómeno de la neuroplasticidad como un factor determinante en el desarrollo integral del ser humano, tanto por factores físicos-biológicos como por factores psíquicos e incluso adaptativo- sociales. Se argumenta que entender la neuroplasticidad del cerebro y del sistema nervioso en su conjunto es la llave para fomentar prácticas educativas inteligentes dirigidas al aprendizaje como un proceso que puede ser modelado a favor del educando. La educación en general es el elemento potenciador cognitivo que genera neuroplasticidad positiva a un nivel de transformación extendida, productiva y constante

Neuroeducación: un campo de trabajo interdisciplinario

El objetivo de este apartado es identificar los fundamentos conceptuales y los objetivos principales de la neuroeducación con una visión de la neurociencia cognitiva, que considere cada etapa involucrada en el proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje desde una panorámica multidisciplinar. Se argumenta que la neuroeducación es un campo de pensamiento complejo, que requiere del diálogo, pero sobre todo del consenso entre las diversas disciplinas involucradas para lograr avances significativos, objetivos concretos y aplicaciones innovadoras para una educación basada en evidencias