An adaptive research support system for students in higher education: Beyond logging and tracking

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on design for an adaptive research support system that provides support for research activities of students in higher education, as well as improving the research skills of the students. Research activity is one of the core activities of institutions of higher education and it is with this in mind that we propose an adaptive research support system to improve the research skills of students. Research skills include such generic skills as planning and scheduling, communication and presentation; and specific skills such as trend analysis, problem definition and data analysis. We present a general way to improve research skills of students by adaptation, achieved through coaching and scaffolding supports using information gained from archived laboratory knowledge.