Learning Analytics

Monitor, reflect, assess and intervene to drive student achievement

Learning Analytics is a new way of analyzing student achievement to inform curricula and teaching methods based on previous experiences. (Innovative Pedagogy 2013) Both the educator and the student are able to utilize learning analytics. The educator monitors the learning process, reviews student data, intervenes when necessary and improves teaching strategies and materials. The students use learning analytics to self assess, reflect, and become better learners. Learning analytics may be the key to closing the achievement gap.

In the K-12 setting learning analytics can be used in many ways. Student artifacts should be assessed to determine mastery and whether students are demonstrating higher-order thinking skills. (Learning Analytics: Moving From Concept to Practice) Learning Analytics focuses not only on the teacher collecting data, but also on students taking responsibility for their learning. Therefore, students act as decision makers in their educations as well. (Learning Analytics: A Report on the ELI Focus Session) By empowering students to take ownership of their learning and offering them choice they may become more engaged and enthusiastic about learning. For example, when assigning a project the teacher might offer a variety of ways in which to complete the project as well as choices on topic.

In conclusion learning analytics interprets a wide range of data to determine student growth, make predictions and recognize a need for intervention. It informs instruction so that teachers can focus on student needs. (Enhancing Teaching and Learning Through Data Mining and Learning Analytics) Learning Analytics provides students with a voice in their education.

Resources:

Enhancing Teaching and Learning Through Educational Data Mining and Learning Analytics

Learning Analytics: A Report on the ELI Focus Session

Learning Analytics: Moving from Concept to Practice