Examining the use of a Personalized Learning Management System (PLMS) to Increase Student Engaagement in High School Physics

Abstract

Motivated by the drive to impact the quality and diversity of students applying to engineering schools, this study evaluates a component of a Personalized Digital Learning Management System (PLMS) that has been designed to increase student engagement in K-12 Physics. In particular, a non-traditional project based learning module, with roots in game-based learning, has been developed and executed in grade 8 science classrooms. Pre and post survey data that includes attitudinal markers, learning style profiles, gender, and assessments of knowledge gained, are analyzed and presented. Results suggest that students who are more interested in science, physics and engineering tend to have learning styles that require programming that is more active and less sequential than traditionally delivered. This is particularly the case for female students. The non-traditional game based project acted to provide these types of learning opportunities and post survey data showed a very high level of student engagement. Results obtained will be used to further refine the PLMS.