Student modelling using plan recognition

Abstract We present a student modelling approach based on plan recognition methods. In some domains, like theorem proving, the student's activity can be seen as consisting of the formation of plans (the proofs) and the execution of actions (the proof steps). Starting from the student's inputs and the problem's search space, the method infers the most plausible plan according to a criterion of coherence. Recognising the student's plan can help predict his next actions and provide him with well-adapted assistance. This modelling technique is applied in an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) which coaches a student during geometry problem-solving. We describe the architecture of the system: the expert, a set of geometry rules together with a theorem prover which can solve problems in different ways and recognise the student's errors; the interface; and the pedagogical module. Finally, we describe the implemented system and its evaluation.