An Experimental Evaluation of Tutorials in Problem Solving (TiPS): A Remedial Mathematics Tutor
Abstract
Our laboratory conducted an experimental evaluation of Tutorials in Problem Solving (TiPS), a computer environment representing a schema-based approach to training arithmetic and problem solving skills in remedial adult populations. Specifically, this project was designed to accomplish several objectives: (1) document the level of instructional adaptation provided by the TiPS system; (2) provide a basic evaluation of the overall TiPS system; (3) determine the amount of instructional time involved with the use of TiPS system; and (4) determine the affective nature of the TiPS learning experience, According to our evaluation project: (1) TiPS does monitor the learners' performance and adapt instructional delivery to meet their needs; (2) the average posttest score for participants in a TiPS group was significantly higher than their peers in a untreated control group; (3) the average time for completing the Tips computer instruction was 3.84 hours (SD = 0.97) and ranged from 1.83 to 6 hours (excluding test-taking time); and (4) the learners exposed to TiPS reported feeling that the instructional material, including the examples and problems, helped them to understand how to approach and solve word problems and that, overall, the instructional environment was well designed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADB288332
Entities
People
- Robert K. Atkinson
- Thomas Hosie
Organizations
- Mississippi State University