Profiling students who thrive in MOOCs: voluntary evaluators within a high-engagement cluster prioritize practical tools and structured content

This study complements the mainstream narrative in MOOC studies by emphasizing sustaining factors instead of dropout reasons. Using Kmeans clustering, sequential analysis, and course evaluation content analysis, we identified distinct engagement patterns and a nuanced view of student engagement in a MOOC. Frequent revisits defined the high-engagement cluster; within it, a subset of students voluntarily completed the end-of-course evaluation (hereafter, volunteer evaluators). These students showed targeted interactions, consistent activities, and emphasized values on practical tools and well-structured content. The findings provide insights into effective course design, emphasizing clear objectives, well-organized content, and the critical role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining engagement. This study highlights the importance of understanding diverse student behaviors to enhance MOOC engagement, particularly the unique characteristics of volunteer evaluators within a highly engaged cluster.