© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Collaborative problem-solving (CPS) is a fundamental skill for success in modern societies, and part of many common constructivist teaching approaches. However, its effective implementation and evaluation in both digital and physical learning environments are challenging for educators. This paper presents an original method for identifying differences in students' CPS behaviours when they are taking part in face-to-face practice-based learning (PBL). The dataset is based on high school and university students' hand position and head direction data, which can be automated deploying existing multimodal learning analytics systems. The framework uses Nonverbal Indexes of Students' Physical Interactivity (NISPI) to interpret the key parameters of students' CPS competence. The results show that the NISPI framework can be used to judge students' CPS competence levels accurately based on their non-verbal behaviour data. The findings have significant implications for design, research and development of educational technology.