Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes

Abstract Learning interaction patterns is key to the explanation of learning outcomes. Different studies have reported the relationship between classroom process variables and learning outcomes in a traditional classroom setting. However, the advent of robotics and its attendant student–robot intera...

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Main Authors: Segun Michael Ojetunde, Umesh Ramnarain
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-01-01
Series:Smart Learning Environments
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00345-2
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author Segun Michael Ojetunde
Umesh Ramnarain
author_facet Segun Michael Ojetunde
Umesh Ramnarain
author_sort Segun Michael Ojetunde
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Learning interaction patterns is key to the explanation of learning outcomes. Different studies have reported the relationship between classroom process variables and learning outcomes in a traditional classroom setting. However, the advent of robotics and its attendant student–robot interaction moderated by students’ mathematical ability is yet to be widely discussed empirically. This constitutes the major reason why the study investigated the effects of student–robot interaction and mathematical ability on students' learning outcomes, particularly among Nigerian high school students where the robotics curriculum is at the early stage of implementation. The study was anchored on engagement theory. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential Quant-dominant approach was adopted. A total of 327 high school students who have been exposed to robotic lessons from the year 2021 including robotics subject teachers and learning managers were sampled for the study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics alongside thematic analysis for qualitative data. It was found that mathematical ability could not moderate the relationship between student–robot interaction and learning outcomes (behavioural: β = − 0.001, t = 0.028, p > 0.05, Affective: β = 0.105, t = 0.316, p > 0.05, cognitive engagements: β = − 0.08, t = 0.316, p > 0.05). Affective engagements have a significant influence on critical thinking (β = .126, t = 3.19, p < 0.05) while both affective (β = 0.28, t = 5.63, p < 0.05) and cognitive (β = .17, t = 4.65, p < 0.05) engagements could predict students’ problem-solving. The conclusion was made that learning robotics is a potential instrument to develop students who can think critically to solve some long-standing problems in society. Furthermore, the process requires a lot of affective and cognitive engagement of the students, and in this regard, both parents and teachers have a role to play in offering support to students.
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spelling doaj-art-3509277a13ca4bbca8885a7e1a66095b2025-01-26T12:57:28ZengSpringerOpenSmart Learning Environments2196-70912025-01-0112111710.1186/s40561-024-00345-2Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomesSegun Michael Ojetunde0Umesh Ramnarain1Department of Science and Technology Education, Center for Advanced Learning Technologies in STEAM (CASTSTEAM), University of JohannesburgDepartment of Science and Technology Education, Center for Advanced Learning Technologies in STEAM (CASTSTEAM), University of JohannesburgAbstract Learning interaction patterns is key to the explanation of learning outcomes. Different studies have reported the relationship between classroom process variables and learning outcomes in a traditional classroom setting. However, the advent of robotics and its attendant student–robot interaction moderated by students’ mathematical ability is yet to be widely discussed empirically. This constitutes the major reason why the study investigated the effects of student–robot interaction and mathematical ability on students' learning outcomes, particularly among Nigerian high school students where the robotics curriculum is at the early stage of implementation. The study was anchored on engagement theory. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential Quant-dominant approach was adopted. A total of 327 high school students who have been exposed to robotic lessons from the year 2021 including robotics subject teachers and learning managers were sampled for the study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics alongside thematic analysis for qualitative data. It was found that mathematical ability could not moderate the relationship between student–robot interaction and learning outcomes (behavioural: β = − 0.001, t = 0.028, p > 0.05, Affective: β = 0.105, t = 0.316, p > 0.05, cognitive engagements: β = − 0.08, t = 0.316, p > 0.05). Affective engagements have a significant influence on critical thinking (β = .126, t = 3.19, p < 0.05) while both affective (β = 0.28, t = 5.63, p < 0.05) and cognitive (β = .17, t = 4.65, p < 0.05) engagements could predict students’ problem-solving. The conclusion was made that learning robotics is a potential instrument to develop students who can think critically to solve some long-standing problems in society. Furthermore, the process requires a lot of affective and cognitive engagement of the students, and in this regard, both parents and teachers have a role to play in offering support to students.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00345-2
spellingShingle Segun Michael Ojetunde
Umesh Ramnarain
Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
Smart Learning Environments
title Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
title_full Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
title_fullStr Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
title_full_unstemmed Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
title_short Like objects or like subjects? Effects of student–robot interaction (SRI) and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
title_sort like objects or like subjects effects of student robot interaction sri and mathematical ability on students learning outcomes
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00345-2
work_keys_str_mv AT segunmichaelojetunde likeobjectsorlikesubjectseffectsofstudentrobotinteractionsriandmathematicalabilityonstudentslearningoutcomes
AT umeshramnarain likeobjectsorlikesubjectseffectsofstudentrobotinteractionsriandmathematicalabilityonstudentslearningoutcomes