PROCEEDINGS OF THE 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2016
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Using the effect sizes of subtasks to compare instructional methods: A network model
Page: 901
Networks have become increasingly important in studying air pollution, energy use, genetics and psychology. These directed graphs also have features that may be useful in modeling student learning by answering questions such as the following: How can we determine if one teaching approach has better outcomes than a second method? In this paper we present a framework for dividing an approach into subtasks, assigning a numerical value (such as an effect size) to each subtask and then combining these values to determine an overall effectiveness rating for the original approach. This process allows researchers to investigate potential causes for student achievement rather than simple correlations, and can compare the effectiveness of a method for various types of students or instructors.