GroupAL: ein Algorithmus zur Formation und Qualitätsbewertung von Lerngruppen in E-Learning-Szenarien
Key: KBGS14-1
Author: Johannes Konert, Dimitrij Burlak, Stefan Göbel, Ralf Steinmetz
Date: April 2014
Kind: @article
Keywords: Lerngruppen, Gruppenformationskriterien, Kollaboratives Lernen, Optimierungsalgorithmen, Peer Education
Abstract: Fostering knowledge exchange among peers is important aspect for motivation, achievement of learning goals as well as improvement of problem solving competency in e-learning environments or for computer-based learning. Still, the positive effects of such an exchange depend strongly on the suitability of the selected peers in a learning group. This article describes categories of criteria to be considered by a group formation algorithm for learning groups. Additionally, existing algorithmic solutions from related work will be compared concerning several imposed requirements. For simultaneous consideration of all these requirements, the GroupAL algorithm is introduced. It supports the use of multi-dimensional criteria that are either expected to be matched homogeneous or heterogeneous among participants while aiming for equally good group formation for the whole cohort of participants to be matched. The underlying GroupAL architecture various group formation algorithms and defines a normed metric for learning group formations. This metric allows comparison of different created group formations and is robust against variations on number of used criteria or changes in the underlying cohort of participants. Finally, the presented evaluation reveals the advantages and widespread applicability of GroupAL in comparison to the investigated algorithmic solutions from related work. The approach chosen for GroupAL results in better cohort performance indices and group formation quality under the chosen conditions and with the selected data sets.

The documents distributed by this server have been provided by the contributing authors as a means to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work on a non-commercial basis. Copyright and all rights therein are maintained by the authors or by other copyright holders, not withstanding that they have offered their works here electronically. It is understood that all persons copying this information will adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. These works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.