A Study of Diagnostic and Remedial Techniques Used by Master Algebra Teachers
Abstract
This research note raises the issues of what makes for effective diagnosis and remediation of linear algebra equations, and how this affects the development of intelligent tutoring systems. The note reports three studies. In the first, four experienced teachers were given a series of incorrectly worked algebra tasks and asked to provide diagnosis and remediation (n.b. the students were not present). The second study was a series of interviews with three Irish math teachers discussing their approaches to algebra diagnosis and remediation. The third study observed a teacher remediating eight students on the basis of diagnoses provided by the PIXIE (ITS) program. This teacher probed for causes beneath the surface errors made by the student. The major conclusions of the three studies were that teachers generally taught algebra procedurally rather than conceptually, and that teachers thought it important to determine the causes behind errors. Keywords: Intelligent tutoring system, Artificial intelligence, Expert systems, PIXIE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199021
Entities
People
- Anthony E. Kelly
- D. Sleeman
Organizations
- Stanford University