Exploring Relationships Between Students' Discussion Patterns, Emotions, and Learning Outcomes in an Online Mathematics Course

• In Event: Learner Behaviors and Attitudes in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

This study aims to 1) identify and characterize subgroups of students based on their online discussion patterns, emotions, and contents; and 2) investigate associations between these patterns and their learning outcomes in an online developmental mathematics course. Data mining of both clickstream and textual data collected by a Learning Management System (LMS) enabled an analysis in terms of how students meaningfully engaged with discussions, conceived as both online speaking and listening behaviors. Findings revealed six subgroups of students that exhibited similar online discussion patterns and emotions. Moreover, higher performing students showed higher levels online listening and were more engaged in course content; lower performing students showed superficial engagement in the discussions as they talked about off-topic content.

Authors

• Ji-Eun Lee, Utah State University

• Mimi M. Recker, Utah State University