Archived: FY 2000 PHASE II AWARDS

A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

FY 2000 Phase II Awards

SPONSORING OFFICE:
Office of Educational Research and Improvement

Project Title:	Algebra Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) for At-risk Students
Firm Name:	Stottler Henke Associates, Inc. 1660 S. Amphlett Boulevard, Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402
Principal Investigator:	Richard Stottler (650) 655-7242
Award:	$300,000

Abstract:
This report describes an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) for teaching high-school algebra ITS to at-risk students. Such students need highly individualized instruction. ITSs are designed to provide one-on-one instruction to students, much like a human tutor does. During Phase I, we interviewed several high-school teachers to understand the kinds of difficulties at-risk students have with algebra, and to determine effective instructional strategies. We designed an ITS that incorporates instructional strategies based on those suggested by the teachers. We also designed knowledge representation and student modeling techniques. We implemented a proof-of-concept prototype. We showed the prototype to several of the same teachers. Their feedback suggests that our ITS would be an effective tool for teaching algebra to at-risk students.

For Phase II, we propose to enhance the knowledge representation, the student modeling techniques, and the instructional strategies. We will also enhance the user interface to make it easily usable. We will also design remedial exercises for basic algebra skills, and investigate the benefits of including games. Finally, we will evaluate the effectiveness of ITSs by performing controlled studies with at-risk high-school algebra students.

Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications:
None provided.

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This page last modified August 15, 2000. (lje)