Title: Algebra Tutor
Performer(s):
Ken Koedinger
Human-Comp. Interative Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
|
Cluster: EAGIL
Contact Information:
Phone: 412-268-7667
Fax: 412-268-5576
email: Ken_Koedinger@cmu.edu
|
1. Instructional Focus:
Content areas/topics: Mathematics and algebra.
Process skills: Individualized instruction through cognitive tutoring.
2. Target Population: Junior High School and High School Students.
3. Summary Description: This project contains two products. The first product is PAT (PUMP Algebra Tutor) PAT provides cognitive tutoring support in the use of algebraic tools (e.g. tables, graphs, equations) within application contexts in business, science, and everyday life. The second product is Plug-in Tutoring Agents for Mathematical Analysis. These tutoring agents act as partners in the use of other software. When just-in-time tutoring is desirable, this product is very helpful.
4. Training and Staff Development:
- Teacher prerequisite skills/knowledge needed: Basic arithmetic capabilities; familiarity with general interactive computer use; ability to work with other DoDEA mathematics teachers and curriculum specialists in developing plans for the extension and adaptation of the PAT program.
- Student prerequisite skills needed: At least 6th grade level math skills; basic arithmetic capabilities.
- Training needed/provided: Performer will provide training, most likely a 2-day training session.
- Technical Support needed/provided: On-site technical support required. Provision of this support is yet to be determined.
5. Technological/Resources Needed: The Plug-in Tutoring Agents for Mathematical Analysis uses Apple Script on the Mac.
Software runs only on Macintosh.
6. Intended Outcomes:
Students: To achieve a gain of one standard deviation on a recognized measure of performance.
Teachers: To provide support for the computer-based tutoring in mathematics, programming, science, or computer use.
7. Instructional Time Required: The Algebra Tutor supports regular classroom instruction. The teacher and student determine the time required based on the student's needs. It is presently being used in schools twice a week.
8. Role of the Pilot Teacher(s): To contribute to building the tutoring systems in the schools. Teachers should be available to the students during the sessions in which the systems are being used in case students need their assistance.
9. Example(s) of Use of This Product (Scenario): This software is presently being used in six high schools in Pittsburgh, PA. and is being received positively. Two days out the school week students go to the computer lab rather than staying in the classroom where they would follow a textbook lesson. Students are on their own computers working through the algebra problems. If they confront any problems with their assignments, the teacher is available to help them. Each student logs onto the algebra tutor program at the beginning of each session. The computer builds a record of the student's performance and skill development, providing a basis for the student to obtain more individualized attention. Students have the option of working on the computer independently, without the help of the teacher or the other students in the class. However, participation in a group learning environment is important to the program. The tutoring system encourages a "learning by doing" approach, through problem-solving as opposed to simply turning pages of a textbook.
