Emotions directly influence the motivation for learning; therefore, a greater understanding of them and a series of strategies collaborate for the student's success. In this project, Professor Lilia Carolina Rodríguez Galván proposes the analysis of feelings through natural language processing (NLP) supported by Artificial Intelligence as a tool to build feedback strategies that include both affective and cognitive components.
Overview
In 2021, Professor Caro presented a proposal for funding by Novus with the purpose of developing an AI-based solution for educational dialogue aimed at transformation through a more effective use of emotional tones in the academic or business feedback process.
She proposed using artificial intelligence as a support tool to enhance the understanding of emotions and transform the feedback directed at our students.
“To be able to develop students, we need to transform their attitudes and values.”
Development
The project was implemented over one semester across various campuses: Querétaro, Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí, Toluca, Cuernavaca, and Puebla, impacting 908 undergraduate students. Thanks to the use of the AI-supported platform, teachers were able to consciously and deliberately generate cognitive-affective feedback. Students began to take greater ownership of their own learning and developed practices to address stress and conflict situations.
The professor, along with her colleagues, observed how essential it is to better understand emotions to provide closer and more affective feedback to their students.
“By creating a relevant emotional climate, we create a safe space where respectful interaction with others can lead to comprehensive learning.”
Impact measurement and results
To measure the impact of this project, thematic text analysis was used with word coding and content text analysis using natural language processing algorithms for word classification. Additionally, two instruments were used to determine the students' motivation levels and emotional exhaustion, applying pre-tests and post-tests, that is, surveys at the beginning and end of the course.
The results obtained from this implementation were very positive. A significant improvement in student motivation was observed, and it was identified that emotional exhaustion, neuroticism, psychological distress, and self-esteem are factors that influence and affect student responses, compromising their academic performance.
“Novus provided us with infinite advantages and learnings, giving us a very clear path to follow. With Novus' support, our project exceeded expectations and allowed us to develop a project that helps teachers and students improve their emotional understanding.”
Recommendations for other innovators
Professor Caro recommends that her colleagues participate more in these types of initiatives that promote educational innovation. With the support provided by Novus, it will help them clearly understand the needs they have identified in the classroom and how to address them to continue improving the feedback and evaluation process for students.
“Take the plunge and participate with Novus. It’s an adventure you won’t regret, with excellent support for technological innovation.”
With the technological advancements of recent years, it is essential to incorporate the use of Artificial Intelligence in our teaching practice. It has great potential for teaching and learning processes, and what better way to promote these technologies than by using them in our classroom, as in the case of Smart Feedback, an innovation created by Professor Caro.
Responsible: Lilia Carolina Rodríguez Galván
Contact: lcrodrig@tec.mx
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