Penn - Discovering a Domain Model for Organic Chemistry
Contents
Summary Table
| PIs | John Penn (University of West Virginia), David Yaron, Geoff Gordon |
| Other Contributers | Michael Karabinos |
| Study Start Date | January, 2010 |
| Study End Date | January, 2011 |
| LearnLab Site | University of West Virginia, Sophomore Organic Chemistry Course |
| LearnLab Course | Chemistry |
| Number of Students | 1500 (over 5 years) |
| Total Participant Hours | 15000 |
| DataShop |
Abstract
This project is analyzing data collected over the past five years in a organic chemistry homework and test system (http://www.we-learn-horizon.com). This system is used for required homework activities throughout the course, and is also used to deliver the high-stakes exams that determine the course grade. The system is comprehensive in that it includes all topics covered in this year-long course.
Background & Significance
Glossary
Research questions
What information about a domain can be derived from a trace of student interactions with a set of questions that cover all topics in a course and are the primary mode of practice for students in such a course? Can this data be used to develop a cognitive model, including relations between topics and concepts?
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Hypothesis
Results
Explanation
Further Information
John Penn is an external researcher (a professor at University of West Virginia) who has been developing a comprehensive question bank for organic chemistry for nearly a decade. Over this time, he has collected years of data on student interaction with the materials. He approached the center to find collaborations that could help him analyze this data. He visited the center, attending a PSLC lunch, a Chemistry course committee meeting, and a meeting with Yaron, Gordon and Karabinos to develop a plan for analyzing the data. The data is now being converted to the format needed for this analysis.
