A constrained optimization model for partitioning students into cooperative learning groups
Date
2016
Authors
Heine, Matthew Alan, author
Kirby, Michael, advisor
Pinaud, Olivier, committee member
Henry, Kimberly, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The problem of the constrained partitioning of a set using quantitative relationships amongst the elements is considered. An approach based on constrained integer programming is proposed that permits a group objective function to be optimized subject to group quality constraints. A motivation for this problem is the partitioning of students, e.g., in middle school, into groups that target educational objectives. The method is compared to another grouping algorithm in the literature on a data set collected in the Poudre School District.