John Anderson

The purpose of this research is to better understand the cognitive processes of individual students as they solve algebra problems in the context of the Carnegie Learning Algebra Tutor software. The researchers will use computer simulations of individual students (synthetic student models) to find the optimal conditions of instructional guidance a student would need to receive to master an algebra problem. The team will explore whether techniques such as direct instruction or guided discover...

In this project, the researchers proposed to use various experimental approaches to build theory that could guide the development of improved computer-based algebra tutors. The approaches they proposed using included both behavioral and brain imaging techniques. At the time of this study, research was indicating that computer-based tutoring programs were having some success in helping students learn algebraic procedures but were having less success in teaching students how to solve algebra w...