How do table shape, group size, and gender affect on-task actions in collaborative learning activities?

Abstract—Contribution: This paper presents a study that adds evidence to the field of computer education by focusing on the interaction between shapes of tables, group size and gender, and their effects on on-task collaborative learning actions. By studying the collaborative learning environment in the context of computer education, the aim is to understand how different on-task actions are affected by mentioned factors.Background: Previous research on collaborative learning space in the collaborative computer education context with the focus on the group formation, gender aspect and analysis of on-task actions.Research questions: Do different table shapes have different effects on open-ended computer education on-task actions for different groups sizes (2 and 3 participants) and for different genders?Methodology: In order to study a collaborative problem-solving activity that is based on creating a prototype of a responsive toy, two main conditions were examined: table shape (round or rectangular) and how this interacts with group size (two or three participants) and gender. University students were engaged in design tasks conducted in small groups following the Jigsaw pattern.Findings: Results show that students engage more in interaction with physical artefacts when collaboration is conducted in dyads. In terms of gender, the analysis shows a tendency of female students to engage more when the activity is conducted in dyads. Furthermore, the combination of dyad structure and a round table resulted in more discussion and nonverbal interaction.

摘要—贡献：本文提出了一项研究，通过聚焦于表格形状、小组规模与性别之间的交互作用及其对任务协作学习行为的影响，为计算机教育领域增添了证据。通过在计算机教育背景下研究协作学习环境，旨在理解不同任务行为如何受到所述因素的影响。背景：在协作计算机教育背景下，先前的研究集中于小组构成、性别因素以及对任务行为的分析。研究问题：不同的表格形状是否对不同小组规模（两人和三人）以及不同性别的开放式计算机教育任务行为产生不同的影响？方法论：为了研究基于创建响应式玩具原型的协作问题解决活动，考察了两种主要条件：表格形状（圆形或矩形）以及这种形状如何与小组规模（两人或三人）和性别相互作用。大学生在遵循Jigsaw模式的小组中进行设计任务，参与其中。研究结果：结果显示，当协作在双人组中进行时，学生与物理实体的互动更为频繁。在性别方面，分析表明，当活动在双人组中进行时，女性学生的参与度更高。此外，双人结构结合圆形表格导致更多的讨论和非言语互动。