Rasch Model Case Study: Investigating Cognitive Performances of School Children's Museum Learning Experiences

Abstract

Learning analytics is used to improve learning and the environment in which it takes place. There has been much research on measuring, gathering, and analysing learner data in formal educational settings. However, its use in informal learning environments like museums appears to be promising. This chapter describes a case study investigating the cognitive performances of school children aged 10-12 years old during their museum learning experiences by considering the differences in human cognitive preferences. The research study focused on the Dinosaur Walk exhibition in Melbourne Museum as the context of the investigation. The main objective of the research study was to look into the relationship in the form of interactive effect between the students' cognitive preferences and the museum information representation formats in facilitating their museum learning experiences. This research is important as museum learning has been well accepted as informal learning to support formal education. Hence, this chapter serves as an example of managing learning analytics within the informal educational domain. The case study can be exemplary to the education sector and related organisations or businesses towards understanding, planning, and assessing students' performances and preparing a better way of facilitating/supporting learners' learning processes and experiences.