Classroom implementation of an auxiliary problem presentation system for mechanics adapted to learners’ errors

Abstract

Error-based Simulation (EBS) is a learning support framework that visualizes learners’ errors and encourages trial and error. However, when a learner is stuck, EBS has difficulty in helping them overcome the impasse. Additionally, giving a correct answer to a learner who is stuck may interfere with the trial-and-error activity that EBS is oriented toward. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage learners during trial-and-error activities without giving them correct answers. In this study, we confirm the effectiveness of our system, which is based on conventional mechanics EBS and provides adaptive auxiliary problems based on learners’ errors. Furthermore, we analyze force-based self-overcoming to evaluate our system. Self-overcoming means that the learner can eliminate errors by using the system without the intervention of the teacher. If self-overcoming occurs, the learner can continue trial-and-error with the auxiliary problems, even if they are stuck. To verify the learning effectiveness of such a system, we conducted a classroom implementation with 86 third-year junior high-school learners and analyzed the results. The system logs from the exercises revealed that self-overcoming was taking place, and that it was reflected in the test results.