CODON Research Program
Our founding mission is to translate the most impactful, evidence-based teaching and learning practices into a courseware platform that results in positive change for students and instructors. Our current research efforts evaluate the platform’s impact on educational outcomes such as the development of metacognition and self-regulated learning skills.
Project 1: Impact on learning
Our first research project set out to answer the question: How does the Codon Learning study path impact students’ learning outcomes? From regression analysis, we found that, controlling for prior knowledge, students who completed the Codon Learning study path score 11 points higher on their final course grade than students who complete none. For every 10% more questions students attempted on the online platform, they earned 1.1 more points on their final course grade on average (n = 276 students from spring and fall 2022).
Project 2: metacognition and study habits
The Codon Learning platform facilitates research into students’ metacognitive abilities. Students mark questions as ‘muddy’ or ‘clear’ before the correct answer is revealed. “Clear” questions are more likely to be answered correctly than “Muddy” questions. We are interested in comparing this to validated measures of metacognition and testing ways the platform can help students identify their own blind spots (clear + incorrect) and lucky guesses (muddy + correct).
Project 3: student Perceptions OF CODON
We are always looking to learn more about how students find value in Codon through quantitative and qualitative analyses of student survey responses. Students report that the Study Path increases their use of self-regulated learning practices.
codon student framework
The student application is designed to promote self-regulated learning (SRL). Self-regulated learning is the ability to make a plan, monitor progress, and adapt actions. Decades of research have shown that learners with self-regulated learning skills are more likely to succeed in STEM courses. Research shows that SRL skills:
support early academic success and long-term persistence in STEM (Sebesta and Speth, 2017; Rodriguez, et al., 2018).
strengthen students’ ability to transfer their learning to new settings and events (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000; Barak, et al., 2016)
improve student performance, especially for students who are struggling (Zhao, et al., 2014).
nsF support
In January 2022, Codon Learning was awarded a Phase II National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $1,000,000 to conduct research and development on a learning platform to help college students develop stronger self-regulated learning skills. Award #2127314
To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
Interested in collaborating?
If you’re interested in collaborating with us on a research study (existing or new), please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or ideas for research.