Dynamic Group Formation in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning

Abstract

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) emerges as an instrument of learning and training that can encourage the social nature of learning by adopting range of computer-mediated communication tools and pedagogical methods. These tools are used to facilitate the learning and instructional communication among students and learners in small groups. In this process, group formation becomes painstaking and challenging task. Various factors are involved affecting group formation that includes; personal characteristics, social, cultural, psychological and cognitive diversity. Although, this issue was addressed in various research studies yet an optimal solution for dynamic group formation is not discussed evidently. In dynamic groups, students work or collaborate on a short term tasks in a group that change frequently based on the performance of students. In this research study we have proposed a method for dynamic group formation and the impact of dynamic group formation in collaborative learning among peers is demonstrated by conducting an experiment. This experiment is conducted in two phases. In first phase of the experiment, learning styles are assigned to the students and their knowledge level is calculated. Whereas, in second phase of the experiment, the impact of dynamic grouping on collaborative learning of students is determined. Further, two algorithms are proposed, first is used for determining initial number of clusters and second algorithm is used for dynamic grouping after the completion of each permutation. Results of our experiment shows a positive impact of dynamic grouping on learning of students as the performance of collaborative learning among peers is better than individual performances.