Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective

J Vis Exp. 2015 Jul 1:(101):e52627. doi: 10.3791/52627.

Abstract

In a recent theoretical synthesis on the concept of engagement, Fredricks, Blumenfeld and Paris defined engagement by its multiple dimensions: behavioral, emotional and cognitive. They observed that individual types of engagement had not been studied in conjunction, and little information was available about interactions or synergy between the dimensions; consequently, more studies would contribute to creating finely tuned teaching interventions. Benefiting from the recent technological advances in neurosciences, this paper presents a recently developed methodology to gather and synchronize data on multidimensional engagement during learning tasks. The technique involves the collection of (a) electroencephalography, (b) electrodermal, (c) eye-tracking, and (d) facial emotion recognition data on four different computers. This led to synchronization issues for data collected from multiple sources. Post synchronization in specialized integration software gives researchers a better understanding of the dynamics between the multiple dimensions of engagement. For curriculum developers, these data could provide informed guidelines for achieving better instruction/learning efficiency. This technique also opens up possibilities in the field of brain-computer interactions, where adaptive learning or assessment environments could be developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Behavior / physiology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Neurophysiology / instrumentation
  • Neurophysiology / methods*
  • Software