PhD defence
Assessment and Learning Engagement in Massive Open Online Courses
- X. Wei
- Date
- Thursday 25 June 2026
- Time
- Address
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
Summary
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a significant educational innovation, providing more accessible and affordable higher education to a massive number of learners worldwide. However, the low completion rates in MOOCs do not align well with the intended effectiveness of large-scale teaching and learning. This research investigates how we can help learners stay engaged and experience meaningful learning in MOOCs.
Combining multiple data resources from international MOOC learners, this research focused on assessment and learning engagement, examining four key aspects of learning: assessment of learning outcomes, motivation, self-regulated learning, and social construction of knowledge. The studies estimated how motivation drives learner-determined learning, how learners employ higher-order thinking skills and manage their own learning processes, and how interactions with others contribute to knowledge development.
The findings show that a combination of factors shapes meaningful learning in MOOCs. Meaningful learning happens in MOOCs when learners are autonomously motivated, actively regulate their learning, and engage in constructive interactions with peers, tend to perceive richer learning experiences and better learning outcomes. The research also highlights the importance of aligning intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, assessment, and self-regulated learning to support constructive learning.
These findings are socially relevant because MOOCs are increasingly adopted for higher education, professional development, and lifelong learning. By providing evidence on how learners learn effectively in large-scale online environments, this research offers practical guidance for MOOC educators, instructional designers, and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of online learning. The research contributes to the development of learner-centered and engaging MOOCs that can better support diverse learners globally.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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