Adaptable scaffolding - A fuzzy approach

Abstract

Employing scaffolding is not new in education. In CBL systems, scaffolding has been used with different levels of adaptability. This paper describes a novel design for the Learner Model, which handles the effects of uncertainty formally in the Scaffolding process. We have used this design in our CBL system (LOZ) for learning Object-Z specification. Learners can easily modify the scaffolding process if they wish. They can inspect the underlying fuzzy model and its processes. We use the fuzzy logic theory for dynamic prediction. A time threshold is used to avoid unnecessary dynamic prediction. The proposed design is domain independent and may be used for a wide range of CBL systems with little modification. We conducted an evaluation based on pre-experimental design and the results were very encouraging. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.