The Effectiveness of Open Student Modelling on Learning

Abstract

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) are computer tutors that provide individualised instruction by maintaining models of their students. Traditionally, these models have been hidden from the student. However, recent work in the area has suggested educational benefits in exposing the student model. This approach, known as open student modelling, allows the student to inspect their model thereby facilitating reflection, which is known to enhance the learning process. To date, few evaluations have been conducted to determine the effects that open student models have on learning. This is the focus of our work. In particular, we are interested in whether even a simple open model can have a positive effect on learning. For this purpose, we have exposed the student model in an existing ITS and have performed an initial evaluation study. Subjective results from the study are encouraging, although a more extensive study is needed to draw reliable objective conclusions. This report presents the extended ITS, followed by the results from the evaluation study