Pavlik and Koedinger - Generalizing the Assistance Formula

Project 7. Generalizing the Assistance Formula across multiple dimensions of instructional assistance Participants: Phil Pavlik & Ken Koedinger Funding: $0K (This in-progress project is part of on-going work of Phil and Ken’s who are otherwise funded) Project Overview We will use DataShop log data to make progress on the Assistance Dilemma by targeting dimensions of assistance one at a time and creating parameterized mathematical models that predict the optimal level of assistance to enhance robust learning (cf., Koedinger et al., 2008). Such a mathematical model has been achieved for the practice-interval dimension (changing the amount of time between practice trials), and progress is being made on study-test dimension (changing the ratio of study trials to test trials) and the example-problem dimension (changing the ratio of examples to problems). These models generate the inverted-U shaped curve characteristic of the Assistance Dilemma as a function of particular parameter values that describe the instructional context. This function has a general form (L = [P*Sb+(1-P)Fb]/[P*Sc+(1-P)Fc]), which we call the “Assistance Formula”. We hypothesize that the Assistance Formula can be effectively instantiated for many other dimensions of assistance. These models address limitations of current instructional theory (e.g., Cognitive Load Theory) by generating a priori predictions of what forms of assistance or difficulty will enhance learning. Further, these models will provide the basis for on-line algorithms that adapt to individual student differences and changes over time, optimizing the assistance provided to each student for each knowledge component at each time in their learning trajectory. The benefits of such student-adapted optimization have already been demonstrated in PSLC projects on optimized practice scheduling (Pavlik & Anderson, 2008) and adaptive fading of worked examples (Salden, Renkl, Aleven et al. 2008). Similar efforts are needed for the many other dimensions of instructional assistance (e.g., study time, study-test, concrete-abstract, feedback timing, etc.). Year 6 Project Deliverable Journal publication on the Assistance Dilemma. 6th Month Milestone Submission of journal article on the Assistance Dilemma.