Following Through on Intention: How Learner Personas Influence MOOC Completion and Performance

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 1:45pm
  In Poster Session: Contemporary Issues in Online Instruction and Student Learning

Abstract

This study examines how motivationally defined MOOC learner personas—Knowledge Seekers, Undecided Explorers, and Goal-Oriented Learners—relate to completion and performance. Using survey and log data from 2,757 learners, we applied logistic regression and stanine scoring to analyze behavioral and performance outcomes. Goal-Oriented Learners were significantly more likely to complete a course and earn higher grades. Undecided Explorers showed moderate outcomes, while Knowledge Seekers had the lowest completion and performance despite intending to finish. These findings reveal alignment between learner intentions and outcomes, underscoring the value of persona-informed analysis for designing learner-centered MOOCs that align success metrics with individual motivations.

Authors

• Rob Moore, University of Florida

• Chuang Wang, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Sophia Soomin Lee, University of Florida