Learning Situation

Self-discipline as a key indicator to improve learning outcomes in e-learning environment

Aleksandrs Gorbunovsa,*, Atis Kapenieksb, Sarma Cakulac

Distance Education Study Centre, Riga Technical University, Kronvalda Blvd. 1, Riga, LV-1010, Latvia

Start

The outline of the presentation

Introduction

Self-discipline and motivation

Study, methodology, results

Conclusion

E-learning enviroments

LEARN ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE

EFFICIENT AND ATTRACTIVE

NEED ADDITIONAL ATTENTION

Self-Discipline

“the ability to make yourself do things you know you should do even when you do not want to” (Cambridge Dictionaries Online, 2016),

DETERMINATION

“The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2016).

TENACITY

PERSISTANCE

WILLPOWER

Motivation

Motivation drives our emotions, compelling us to pursue the things we find interesting

Must be: Kept at a high level thanks to expectations constantly maintained and kept high to achieve a goal.

A small obstacle can destroy your expectations

Study

The goal of this study was to improve learning outcomes and increase the skill levels of students.

• Moodle Extension: Collaborative module compliant with ePortfolio
• standards ePortfolio: Digital collection of work and achievements

• Research Method: Living lab (real-life experimentation) Evaluation:

• Statistical data processing Pilot Groups: Two groups tested

Self-discipline assessment in the first pilot

Self-Discipline Measured by: Activity level during the course Number of fulfilled assignments Number of log-files

Course: Blended learning, "Business Planning for Open Markets"

Participants: 145 first-year bachelor's students

Tasks: Submit essays and financial calculations, peer assessment within ePortfolio system

Group Activities: Five group-working activities

Group Structure: Groups of 4 students, unchanged throughout the course

Self-discipline assessment in the first pilot

• Study Focus: Correlation between self-discipline parameters and learning outcomes
• Parameters Measured: Fulfilled assignments, log-files
• Key Findings:

- Positive correlations between assignments and competence levels, external tasks, and improved assignments - Positive correlations between log-files and improved assignments, competence levels

Self-discipline assessment in the first pilot

Self-discipline assessment in the second pilot

Self-Discipline Measured by: Activity level during the course Number of fulfilled assignments Number of log-files

Researchers modified e-portfolio system for second study.

Participants: 99 first-year bachelor's students

Group Activities: Five group-working activities

Group Structure: Groups of 4 students, composition varied for each activity module.

Aim: Increase learner participation and motivation.

Self-discipline assessment in the 2 pilot

Conclusion

Achievements not dependent to initial competence levels but to self-discipline.

Self-discipline positively impacts learning outcomes.

Teaching staff should focus on maintaining and boosting student motivation.

Crucial for daily routines to improve learning outcomes.

Self-discipline essential for educational goals, supported by motivational strategies.

Motivation requires continual renewal for high levels.

Future research: Teacher preparedness in providing continuous learning support, impact of teacher self-discipline, and group dynamics on student motivation and self-discipline.

Weaknesses

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• Establish a flow through the content.
• Measure results.

Opportunities

Contextualize your topic

• Plan the structure of your communication.
• Give it a hierarchy and give visual weight to the main point.
• Add secondary messages with interactivity.
• Establish a flow through the content.
• Measure results.

Strengths

Contextualize your topic

• Plan the structure of your communication.
• Give it a hierarchy and give visual weight to the main point.
• Add secondary messages with interactivity.
• Establish a flow through the content.
• Measure results.

Threats

Contextualize your topic

• Plan the structure of your communication.
• Give it a hierarchy and give visual weight to the main point.
• Add secondary messages with interactivity.
• Establish a flow through the content.
• Measure results.