Formalization of Agent-Based Model of Group Learning

A formalisation of agent-based model of group learning is introduced in this paper. The idea of multi-agent model of knowledge diffusion during cooperation in small heterogeneous groups has been inspired by observations of human cooperation and characteristics. Most research, on how humans learn and cooperate in groups, comes from the psychology and pedagogy literature. Therefore, the model environment is inspired by the surroundings in which learning takes place while people cooperate: school and company. Individual agents possess features that influence communication, cooperation, and knowledge diffusion. These features can either facilitate or hinder the acquisition of knowledge. As shown in the previous paper [6], a multi-agent model can be prepared to accurately simulate a specific group’s work process, considering students’ characteristics and behaviours. The current paper focusses on generalising and formalising the model. The basic postulates and assumptions are described. Postulates on dividing agents into groups, groups size, and agents’ knowledge change are defined. The main postulates about the impact of agents’ characteristics on cooperation, communication and knowledge gain have been settled and the example of the model was discussed.