The Application of Orbital Decomposition Analysis to Study the Dynamic Quality of Educational Interactions

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Complexity Theories Roundtable (Table 11)

Abstract

The current study aims to show how analyzing the complex dynamics of interactions inside and outside the classroom can reveal interaction quality. We applied Orbital Decomposition analysis to data of two case studies. In the first case, we analyzed interpersonal behavior during teacher-class interactions of two teachers with distinct types of classroom climate quality (i.e., indicator for relationship quality). Interaction quality in case 1 is shown in constructive versus destructive interaction patterns. In case 2, we analyzed conversational moves and turn-taking behavior of groups of teachers in professional learning communities and revealed distinct patterns of merely sending and receiving of information versus understanding information. The set of cases shows the added value of analyzing dynamic interaction patterns in educational settings.

Authors

• Helena J. M. Pennings, University Medical center Utrecht
  Presenting Author

• Marloes Hendrickx, Eindhoven University of Technology
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marieke Thurlings, Eindhoven University of Technology
  Non-Presenting Author

• Perry den Brok, Wageningen University
  Non-Presenting Author