A Comparative Analysis of Cognitive Tutoring and Constraint-Based Modeling

Abstract

Numerous approaches to student modeling have been proposed since the inception of the field more than three decades ago. hat the field is lacking completely is comparative analyses of different student modeling approaches. Such analyses are sorely needed, as they can identify the most promising approaches and provide guidelines for future research. In this paper we compare Cognitive Tutoring to Constraint-Based Modeling (CBM). We present our experiences in implementing a database design tutor using both methodologies and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. We compare their characteristics and argue the differences are often more apparent than real. For specific domains, one approach may be favoured over the other, making them viable complementary methods for supporting learning.

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“…Although constraint-based tutors are easier to develop in comparison to some other existing types of ITSs [21], their development is still a labour-intensive process that requires expertise in Constraint-Based Modelling (CBM) [22,23] and programming. Constraint-Based Modelling is a methodology for creating a domain model (the knowledge base) and consequently, modelling each student's knowledge within that domain.…”

Intelligent Training in Control Centres Based on an Ambient Intelligence Paradigm

“…This CBM technique does not require an expert module and is computationally undemanding because it reduces student modeling processing to a basic pattern matching mechanism [20]. One example of a state constraint, as used in our system, can be found below:…”

A Cognitive Tutor of Arabic Word Root Extraction Using Artificial Word Generation, Scaffolding and Self-Explanation

“…A more advanced ITS builds a long-term student model to provide the student with personalized problems according to the assessed level of knowledge. Several approaches to short-term and long-term student modeling have been proposed over the years [1]. These include: generative modeling [2], overlay modeling [3], enumerative bug modeling [4], constraint-based modeling [5] and cognitive model tracing [1,[6][7].…”

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