Instruction Modeling

Abstract

This chapter describes the core ideas behind instruction modeling. A promising way to improve mathematics instruction is to import successful approaches from other countries; however, it is exceptionally difficult to do this, since instructional traditions are cultural and the volume of teaching expertise that needs to be transferred is vast. Computers offer a possible way to ease the barriers. Expert systems (invented c. 1970) are a type of artificial intelligence system that uses rules to mimic human decision-making. Following the pattern suggested by expert systems, an instruction modeler studies high-quality offline instruction and then designs computer programs that aim to recreate this instruction. Many important activities cannot be automated, and therefore instruction modeling is necessarily blended learning: some instruction takes place online, while other activities are led by classroom teachers. To illustrate these ideas, this chapter describes several instruction modeling programs created by Reasoning Mind. It also discusses Russian mathematics education, explaining why it is a successful instructional tradition and a suitable choice for instruction modeling.