Research On Design And Development Of Task-Driven Grouping System For Classroom Cooperative Learning

As an effective learning mode, researches on cooperative learning remain prevailed in the field of education. A successful cooperative learning process is supposed to possess a reasonable grouping mechanism, which is able to answer personal requirements, define clear duties and form common objectives. In the practice of teaching, the grouping of cooperative learning often appears to be random and subjective. Nevertheless, a scientifically designed group needs the consideration of a various range of factors, which becomes a complex task and a hard burden for teachers.In recent years, research works have been done on auto-grouping system, most of which focus on the online collaborative learning or computer supported collaborative learning, while neglecting the demands of classroom cooperative learning, which is the crucial base of education. Based on the basic theories of collaborative learning, this dissertation raises the primary idea of task-driven and multifactor-including grouping, after comparing and analyzing the grouping strategies of existent systems.The thesis firstly presents the theoretic bases and classroom practices of grouping techniques. Then it draws the strategy of auto-grouping, establishes the basic principles, summarizes the main factors (including student's features and task requests) and indicates means of data acquisition and quantify. With that, it advances the design of grouping algorithm and optimizes it with artificial intelligence method. In order to construct a refined auto-grouping system, it applies software engineering measures and UML modeling techniques. Finally the B/S structured grouping system has been developed in the .NET framework by using techniques as ASP.NET, relational database and so on.The system achieves multi-grouping mode, which realizes the individualizedgroup according to grouping rules and task requests, ensures the maximumparticipation of student in the learning process. Moreover, it provides a platformfor communications between teachers and students, and a place for recordssaving of precious educational observations. This research aims to combineacademic theories with technological applications, by a supportive environmentand a useful tool of automatic grouping for classroom cooperative learning.