Assessing Collaborative Behavior in Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Krkovic ◽  
Sascha Wüstenberg ◽  
Samuel Greiff

Abstract. Skilful collaborative problem-solving is becoming increasingly important in various life areas. However, researchers are still seeking ways to assess and foster this skill in individuals. In this study, we developed a computer-assisted assessment for collaborative behavior (COLBAS) following the experiment-based assessment of behavior approach (objective personality tests; Cattell, 1958 ). The instrument captures participants’ collaborative behavior in problem-solving tasks using the MicroDYN approach while participants work collaboratively with a computer-agent. COLBAS can thereby assess problem-solving and collaborative behavior expressed through communication acts. To investigate its validity, we administered COLBAS to 483 German seventh graders along with MicroDYN as a measure of individual problem-solving skills and questions regarding the motivation to collaborate. A latent confirmatory factor analysis suggested a five-dimensional construct with two problem-solving dimensions (knowledge acquisition and knowledge application) and three collaboration dimensions (questioning, asserting, and requesting). The results showed that extending MicroDYN to include collaborative aspects did not considerably change the measurement of problem-solving. Finally, students who were more motivated to collaborate interacted more with the computer-agent but also obtained worse problem-solving results.

Author(s):  
Yigal Rosen

In recognition of the importance of collaborative and problem-solving skills, educators are realizing the need for effective and scalable learning and assessment solutions to promote the skillset in educational systems. In the settings of a comprehensive collaborative problem-solving assessment, each student should be matched with various types of group members and must apply the skills in varied contexts and tasks. One solution to these assessment demands is to use computer-based (virtual) agents to serve as the collaborators in the interactions with students. The chapter presents the premises and challenges in the use of computer agents in the assessment of collaborative problem solving and describes how human and computer agent collaborative assessments are used in an international learning and assessment project, Animalia.


Author(s):  
Yigal Rosen

In recognition of the importance of collaborative and problem solving skills, educators are realizing the need for effective and scalable learning and assessment solutions to promote the skillset in educational systems. In the settings of a comprehensive collaborative problem solving assessment, each student should be matched with various types of group members and must apply the skills in varied contexts and tasks. One solution to these assessment demands is to use computer-based (virtual) agents to serve as the collaborators in the interactions with students. The chapter presents the premises and challenges in the use of computer agents in the assessment of collaborative problem solving and describes how human and computer agent collaborative assessments are used in international learning and assessment project Animalia.


1998 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet H. Chrispeels ◽  
Kathleen J. Martin

This study examines how students in an administrative credential program developed collaborative problem-solving competence through their participation in two problem-based learning classes. Data collected at three times over the course of a year (videotapes, student reflective papers, faculty and student evaluations, final group projects, and interviews) were analyzed to assess how students develop problem-solving skills within a group. The data indicate that these classes allowed students to acquire knowledge and skills in group processes and problem-solving as well as course content. Follow-up studies of three students who served as telling cases, and who are the focus of this study, suggest students could see the link between theory and practice, and between the classes and their jobs as administrators. Although the students entered the classes with differing levels of problem-solving ability, all three perceived that the experiences in the problem-based learning classes enhanced their skills. The data also suggest that more active guidance by the faculty could enhance students’ reflective skills and their ability to identify implicit theories of practice. Thus, a metacognitive framework for acquiring and improving problem-solving skills in collaborative groups was developed to enable students to explore personal and organizational factors that shape their theory of practice.


Author(s):  
Arini Rosa Sinensis ◽  
Harry Firman ◽  
Ida Hamidah ◽  
Muslim Muslim

<p class="AbstractEnglish"><strong>Abstract:</strong>. This study aims to develop student worksheets (LKM) based on collaborative problem solving, LKM developed with the help of interactive simulations. The research method used is design and development research (DDR). The data collection technique uses a questionnaire to assess the readability and component of collaborative problem solving in the LKM developed. The research subjects were 9 7th semester students who had taken the thermodynamics course. The results showed that the readability component reached 85.7% with very good categories while the collaborative problem solving component reached 80% with good categories. Therefore, the  LKM used can be used as a media to facilitate and direct students to improve problem solving skills.</p><p class="KeywordsEngish"><strong>Abstrak: </strong>Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan Lembar kerja mahasiswa (LKM) berbasis pemecahan masalah kolaboratif, LKM yang dikembangkan berbantuan simulasi interaktif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah <em>design and development research</em> (DDR). Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket untuk menilai keterbacaan dan komponen pemecahan masalah kolaboratif pada LKM yang dikembangkan. Subjek penelitian adalah 9 mahasiswa semester 7 yang telah menempuh matak uliah termodinamika. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komponene keterbacaan mencapai 85,7 % dengan katergori sangat baik sedangkan komponen pemecahan masalah kolaboratif mencapai 80% dengan kategori baik. Oleh karena itu, LKM yang digunakan dapat digunakan sebagai media untuk memfasilitasi dan mengarahkan mahasiswa untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah.</p>


Author(s):  
Florian Krieger ◽  
Matthias Stadler ◽  
Markus Bühner ◽  
Frank Fischer ◽  
Samuel Greiff

Abstract. Rationale: Assessing complex problem-solving skills (CPS) is of great interest to many researchers. However, existing assessments require long testing times making them difficult to include in many studies and experiments. Here, we propose a specific composition of microworlds based on the MicroDYN approach, which allows for valid estimation of CPS in a substantially reduced amount of time (<20 min). Methods: Based on the reanalysis of a sample of N = 232 university students who worked on 11 microworlds of increasing difficulty, we conducted multiple confirmatory factor analyses to test all possible combinations of microworlds, which were theoretically justified in advance. Results/Discussion: We demonstrate one best fitting set with five microworlds, which shows excellent factorial validity and relates to both conventional measures of intelligence and to school grades. We hope that this will allow other researchers to include CPS into their study designs even when testing time is limited.


1994 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian F. Ashman

Collaboration is becoming an increasingly familiar term in the counselling and special education literatures. Notwithstanding this, collaboration still appears to be an infrequently used process despite the numerous articles that extol the virtues of consultation, team building and a team approach to educational problems. This paper identifies a number of blockages which inhibit the development of collaborative endeavours between counsellors, teachers and parents. These include the establishment of hierarchies and professional attitudes to other stakeholders in the education community which may not promote equality and reciprocity in collaborative problem-solving activities. The training of counsellors and teachers at both preservice and inservice levels are needed to ensure that participants have the communication and problem-solving skills that are essential for effective collaboration. In addition, parents must be encouraged to participate in school activities and be provided with the opportunity to learn how to work with school personnel.


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