An improved teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm for solving unconstrained optimization problems

Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithms simulate the teaching–learning phenomenon of a classroom to solve multi-dimensional, linear and nonlinear problems with appreciable efficiency. In this paper, the basic TLBO algorithm is improved to enhance its exploration and exploitation capacities by introducing the concept of number of teachers, adaptive teaching factor, tutorial training and self motivated learning. Performance of the improved TLBO algorithm is assessed by implementing it on a range of standard unconstrained benchmark functions having different characteristics. The results of optimization obtained using the improved TLBO algorithm are validated by comparing them with those obtained using the basic TLBO and other optimization algorithms available in the literature.