Exploring the Relationship Between Student Behavioral Patterns and Learning Outcomes in a SPOC

Abstract

As a supplement to face-to-face teaching, small private online courses (SPOCs) have become increasingly popular in higher education. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on behavioral patterns in the university SPOC. This empirical study investigates the behavioral patterns of 306 undergraduate students taking a degree course partially taught through a university learning platform. Results suggested that task-oriented behaviors accounted for most of the online learning processes. The login behavior was the most significantly correlated with learning outcomes, followed by student engagement with learning activities. The authors found that students' engagement levels had a statistically significant impact on their learning outcomes. Additionally, the high-achieving group demonstrated higher activity levels in performance- and objective-driven activities. The low-achieving group encountered some difficulties in self-regulated learning.