Answering student queries: Functionality and mechanisms

Abstract

This paper discusses the design of an explanation facility for answering student-initiated questions. The facility is based on a hybrid planning architecture that models functionally distinct subtasks of explanation planning with mechanisms suited for those tasks. The paper focuses on mechanisms for four of these tasks: selection of knowledge relevant to a query, choice of conceptual model on which to base the explanation, addition of pedagogically motivated material, and coherent ordering. Specific recommendations are made for the design of an ITS capable of providing these functionalities when responding to student initiated queries.