Is there collaboration specific neurophysiological activation during 2-stage exams? An analysis of brain response using electroencephalography.
Session Type
Poster
Room
The Great Hall, Somerville House (room 3326)
Start Date
17-7-2025 4:00 PM
End Date
17-7-2025 6:00 PM
Keywords
2 stage exams, collaboration, electroencephalography (EEG), brain waves, Science Education, learning.
Primary Threads
Evaluation of Learning
Abstract
During 2-stage collaborative exams, student initially complete an exam as individuals and immediately complete the same, or very similar, exam in small groups of 3 or 4 students. A common theme linking the pedagogical benefits and learning during such an activity is the hypothesis that collaboration is associated with specific neurophysiological activation during the activity. In this study, we used portable lightweight EEG headsets to simultaneously record brain activity to describe changes in individual engagement levels during a 2-stage questionnaire that tested students’ conceptual knowledge of the Scientific Method. We measured and compared brain activity in students who were randomly selected (1) to answer questions requiring recalling elements of the scientific method, and (2) students randomly selected to answer questions requiring the application of concepts regarding the scientific method. In EEG analysis, the beta/alpha power band ratio, provides an index for assessing cognitive states, and attention, with a higher ratio potentially indicating increased cognitive activity, and lower ratios indicating lower engagement. The results of the study demonstrate that the beta/alpha power band ratio were higher than 1 during both the individual and team tasks in most participants. Moreover, while the power band ratio was most elevated in individuals identified as leaders, not all members within a group appear to cognitively engage in the group activity based on the brain signals. This study received approval from the uOttawa Research Ethics Board (H-10-24-10753)
We encourage participants to take part in wearing a portable EEG headband to measure their own brainwaves while answering test questions.
Elements of Engagement
In this interactive poster session, participants will get the opportunity to wear a portable EEG headband and measure their own brainwaves while generating new research questions with the author.
Is there collaboration specific neurophysiological activation during 2-stage exams? An analysis of brain response using electroencephalography.
The Great Hall, Somerville House (room 3326)
During 2-stage collaborative exams, student initially complete an exam as individuals and immediately complete the same, or very similar, exam in small groups of 3 or 4 students. A common theme linking the pedagogical benefits and learning during such an activity is the hypothesis that collaboration is associated with specific neurophysiological activation during the activity. In this study, we used portable lightweight EEG headsets to simultaneously record brain activity to describe changes in individual engagement levels during a 2-stage questionnaire that tested students’ conceptual knowledge of the Scientific Method. We measured and compared brain activity in students who were randomly selected (1) to answer questions requiring recalling elements of the scientific method, and (2) students randomly selected to answer questions requiring the application of concepts regarding the scientific method. In EEG analysis, the beta/alpha power band ratio, provides an index for assessing cognitive states, and attention, with a higher ratio potentially indicating increased cognitive activity, and lower ratios indicating lower engagement. The results of the study demonstrate that the beta/alpha power band ratio were higher than 1 during both the individual and team tasks in most participants. Moreover, while the power band ratio was most elevated in individuals identified as leaders, not all members within a group appear to cognitively engage in the group activity based on the brain signals. This study received approval from the uOttawa Research Ethics Board (H-10-24-10753)
We encourage participants to take part in wearing a portable EEG headband to measure their own brainwaves while answering test questions.