Domain Specific Knowledge Representation for an Intelligent Tutoring System to Teach Algebraic Reasoning

摘要

Translation of word problems into symbolic notation is one of the most challenging steps in learning the algebraic method. This paper describes a domain-specific knowledge representation mechanism to support Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) which focus on this stage of the problem solving process. The description language proposed is based on the concept of a hypergraph and makes it possible to simultaneously a) represent all potential algebraic solutions to a given word problem; b) keep track of the student's actions; c) provide automatic remediation; and d) unequivocally determine the current state of the resolution process. An experimental evaluation with students at a public school supports the use of the ITS in practice.