*This post summarizes the paper titled ‘The Evaluation of a Persuasive Learning Tool using Think-Aloud Protocol’. Click here to read: DOI

In the ongoing shift toward digital learning environments, the challenge is no longer just delivering content but designing systems that actively support student learning and decision-making. A recent study conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia examined the effectiveness of a persuasive learning tool, TemanKajianKu, which was developed to guide students, especially postgraduates, through the complexities of statistical and sampling analysis in research.

Despite the proliferation of e-learning platforms, many still fall short in supporting critical aspects of the research process. One such challenge is helping students identify appropriate statistical methods for their studies. This is particularly significant in postgraduate education, where research topics are diverse and often require tailored methodological support.

TemanKajianKu (translated as “My Study Buddy”) is a web-based system designed using the Persuasive Learning Objects and Technologies (PLOT) model. This model integrates persuasive design principles that aim to influence user behavior positively without coercion. The system assists users in selecting statistical or sampling analysis methods by employing features such as

• Reduction: Simplifying tasks by breaking down processes.
• Tunneling: Guiding users step-by-step through analysis procedures.
• Tailoring: Offering personalized suggestions based on user input.
• Self-Monitoring: Enabling users to track their progress.
• Social Signals: Providing supportive, encouraging feedback through chatbot interactions.

To evaluate the system’s effectiveness and user experience, the study employed the think-aloud protocol, a qualitative method where users verbalize their thoughts while interacting with a system. Ten postgraduate students from various academic backgrounds participated in the pilot evaluation.

Participants were asked to complete a series of tasks using TemanKajianKu, including responding to three research scenarios and interacting with a chatbot designed to assist in selecting appropriate statistical methods.

1. Ease of Use: Most participants found the system intuitive and straightforward, even on first use. The reduction and tunneling elements contributed to a seamless experience.
2. Enhanced Decision-Making: The chatbot and diagrammatic tools helped users understand and select appropriate research methods. Users felt more confident navigating statistical choices, especially when guided by tailored suggestions.
3. User Feedback: Participants highlighted the clarity of the language, the logical flow of information, and the supportive tone of the chatbot as particularly helpful. However, suggestions were made to improve visibility (e.g., enlarging diagrams, improving font size) and interactivity (e.g., zoom features).
4. Persuasive Design in Practice: Each of the five persuasive design elements implemented was found to be effective in improving user engagement and supporting decision-making.

This study demonstrates how persuasive design can play a crucial role in educational technology, especially in domains that require critical thinking and methodological precision. Rather than merely delivering content, systems like TemanKajianKu provide guidance, motivation, and support. These components are often underdeveloped in traditional e-learning tools.

Furthermore, the integration of chatbots as conversational agents opens up possibilities for more natural and adaptive learning support. This aligns with broader trends in human-computer interaction, where system responsiveness and user emotion are increasingly central to design.

The findings support the potential of TemanKajianKu as a prototype for persuasive learning systems. Future work will focus on enhancing the chatbot’s capabilities to better identify user research goals and provide more contextually accurate suggestions. Additionally, user interface improvements based on participant feedback will be implemented to ensure better accessibility and usability.

TemanKajianKu exemplifies how educational tools can be made more effective through persuasive design. By supporting students in navigating complex research decisions, systems like this one can improve not only learning outcomes but also user confidence and engagement. As higher education continues to adopt and refine digital learning solutions, integrating persuasive design principles should be considered a key strategy in system development.