Student Perceptions of Adaptive Goal Setting Recommendations: A Design Prototyping Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Perceptions of Adaptive Goal Setting Recommendations: A Design Prototyping Study
Language: English
Authors: Conrad Borchers (ORCID 0000-0003-3437-8979), Cindy Peng (ORCID 0009-0008-3599-2026), Qianru Lyu (ORCID 0000-0003-0650-1570), Paulo F. Carvalho (ORCID 0000-0002-0449-3733), Kenneth R. Koedinger (ORCID 0000-0002-5850-4768), Vincent Aleven (ORCID 0000-0002-1581-6657)
Source: Grantee Submission. 2025.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305A220386
Document Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Goal Orientation, Student Attitudes, Self Control, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Educational Technology, Progress Monitoring, Middle School Students, Computer Mediated Communication, Feedback (Response), Learning Analytics, Gamification
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-98462-4_31
Abstract: Many AIED systems support self-regulated learning, yet, support for setting and achieving practice goals has received little attention. We examine how middle school students respond to system-recommended practice goals, building on the success of similar data-driven recommendations in other domains. We introduce an adaptive dashboard in an intelligent tutoring system. The dashboard tracks progress (time, mastery), suggests dynamic goal adjustments, and visualizes performance--aiming to increase learning opportunities. In a prototyping study with five middle schoolers (grades 6-7), we used scenario-based tasks to examine reactions to goal recommendations during under- or overachievement. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) students accepted system suggestions as guidance but wanted final control; (2) they valued adaptive recommendations tied to past performance to increase their chance of meeting their goal and pace themselves; and (3) they strongly preferred motivational features (e.g., streaks, celebrations) for engagement. Our study contributes design implications for practice goal-setting in tutoring systems, highlighting personalized, explainable learning analytics and motivational design to support goal-directed behavior.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED674428
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Many AIED systems support self-regulated learning, yet, support for setting and achieving practice goals has received little attention. We examine how middle school students respond to system-recommended practice goals, building on the success of similar data-driven recommendations in other domains. We introduce an adaptive dashboard in an intelligent tutoring system. The dashboard tracks progress (time, mastery), suggests dynamic goal adjustments, and visualizes performance--aiming to increase learning opportunities. In a prototyping study with five middle schoolers (grades 6-7), we used scenario-based tasks to examine reactions to goal recommendations during under- or overachievement. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) students accepted system suggestions as guidance but wanted final control; (2) they valued adaptive recommendations tied to past performance to increase their chance of meeting their goal and pace themselves; and (3) they strongly preferred motivational features (e.g., streaks, celebrations) for engagement. Our study contributes design implications for practice goal-setting in tutoring systems, highlighting personalized, explainable learning analytics and motivational design to support goal-directed behavior.
DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-98462-4_31