Modeling Nonlinear Ability Trajectories and Learner Heterogeneity in Online Learning: A Bayesian Nonparametric Dynamic IRT Framework (opens in new tab)

Online learning has amplified the need to understand how student engagement patterns influence learning outcomes, particularly given the flexibility of technology-mediated environments. To address this, we propose a Bayesian nonparametric dynamic item response theory (IRT) framework that tracks within-individual ability trajectories across instructional units. The proposed model integrates B-spline basis expansions to capture nonlinear effects o...