Enhancing user-centred educational design: Developing personas of mathematics school students

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychology of Education

Background:

• Learner characteristics research offers insights but often remains abstract.
• Personas can bridge the gap between research and practice in educational design.
• User-centered design is crucial for effective digital learning systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create personas for mathematics school students to enhance accessibility of learner data.
• To facilitate user-centered design processes in mathematics education.
• To translate abstract research findings into practical tools for educators and developers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative and quantitative data collection through web surveys, think-aloud protocols, and interviews.
• Development of personas based on learners' goals, needs, challenges, emotions, and strategies.
• Focus on upper secondary school mathematics students in Austria.

Main Results:

• Identified five distinct patterns of characteristics within the target demographic.
• Constructed personas that reflect these prevalent characteristics.
• Demonstrated how personas complement traditional learner characteristic research.

Conclusions:

• Personas make complex learner data more accessible to researchers and practitioners.
• The developed personas can guide the creation of user-centered digital systems and learning materials.
• This approach fosters an enriched educational experience for mathematics students.