Study to minimize learning progress differences in software learning class using PLITAZ system

This study developed a system using two-phased strategies called "Pause Lecture, Instant Tutor-Tutee Match, and Attention Zone" (PLITAZ). This system was used to help solve learning challenges and to minimize learning progress differences in a software learning class. During a teacher's lecture time, students were encouraged to anonymously express their desire to pause the lecture, or to take a short break, in order to catch up with a teacher's lecture. A simple proportion of one-third of the class was found to be a suitable pause-lecture threshold to prevent learning progress differences from becoming too great as well as to provide enough peer tutorial resources. During students' practice time, an instant tutor-tutee match strategy extended tutorial resources, which took 60% workload from the teacher. Meanwhile, the attention zone (AZ) strategy helped the teacher to identify students with low levels of learning progress, as AZ students who needed more attention. It was found that AZ student numbers had a negative relation to overall learning achievement. Furthermore, 49% of the identified AZ students who received PLITAZ strategies experienced improved learning progress over identified non-AZ students. Overall learning progress differences were significantly minimized with the Instant Tutor-Tutee Match and Attention Zone strategies.