Research into Performance Index-Dependent Student Learning Dynamics

Abstract

The problem of effective student learning of a new course within the framework of rational student goal setting is an “eternal” applied problem for the social and technical sciences. Each rational goal setting of the student was formulated in the form of a non-obvious mathematical construct of a nonlinear objective function that determined the minimized functional for the corresponding optimal control problem. Within the framework of the author’s approach to nonlinear modelling of various optimal goal-settings in student study of a new course, 35 optimal control problems for 35 pedagogically-admissible algebraic constructs for minimized functionals were mathematically posed, Optimica-formulated and numerically solved in JModelica-{1.17; 2.14}. As part of further generalization and psychological and pedagogical interpretation of the obtained graphical results of the numerical modelling, the following six strategies for studying a new course by a student were formulated: “Lazy Student” (Strategy A); “Procrastinator” (Strategy B); “Growing Student” (Strategy C); “Steady Student” (Strategy D); “Midterm Hero” or “Halfway Hero” (Strategy E), and “Starting Hero” or “Sprinting Hero” (Strategy F). The six strategies mentioned above for student learning of a new course seem to be a fairly concise summary of the individual educational efforts of both a school student, a university student, and a working professional.