Group Formation for Collaboration in Exploratory Learning Using Group Technology Techniques

Exploratory Learning Environments (ELEs) allow learners to approach a problem in different ways; they are particularly suitable for ill-defined problems where knowledge is less structured and open-ended exploration is allowed. Moreover, multiple solutions which are equally valid are possible and a common and efficient way to convey this is by promoting and supporting students’ collaboration. Successful collaboration, however, depends on forming groups in which the activity is relevant for all members of the group. In this paper we present a computational model for group formation for open-ended exploration in ELEs by modelling the various strategies that learners adopt to solve the same task. This is underpinned by Group Technology techniques that use as criteria the learners’ strategies and the similarity among them to form groups that match pedagogy considerations. The proposed mechanism is tested in an exploratory learning environment for mathematical generalisation.