Open Student Models: Mirror Modeler

When a student makes an error, the instructor wonders what possible misconception caused that error (Self, 1990) and attempts to correct it through altering the instruction method. Consequently, student models represent the system’s assumptions of learner knowledge and preferences without giving any guarantees that this model accurately reflects any of the information it contains. These models are utilized to present the right type of materials at the right point in time in the right presentation style (Fisher, 2001) in order to achieve optimal knowledge transfer. There are two main approaches followed when modeling student knowledge. The first, attempts to delve into the cognitive workings of the student’s mind and tries to best explain how the results could be obtained. Some of those who followed this approach are: Martin and Vahn Lehn (1995), Langley, Wogulis and Ohlsson (1990), Ikeda, Kono and Mizoguchi (1993) amongst others. The second approach assumed that the process that occurs between the “inputs” and “outputs” that occur in a “black box” scenario. The researchers who adopt this presumption attempts to formulate a mapping between the situation and student response to that situation. Some of those who are following this type of modelling include Webb, Cumming, Richard and Yum (1991) and Webb and Kuzmycz (1996). Those who follow the first approach are in a sense predicting possible causes for student behavior. In order to be able to check the accuracy of the student model in representing the student’s cognitive characteristics, VahnLehn and Niu (2001) conducted a study in sensitivity analysis. They found out that an Intelligent Interface is more likely to result in erroneous assumptions about student knowledge than a Computer Aided Instruction Interface. They also found out that the accuracy of the model is strongly dependent on the inputs given to the modeler. The fallibility of these modelers opened up a new avenue of research where students are allowed to see and learn from their models. This in short is an Open Student Model. Dimitrova, Self, and Brna (2000) indicate that when a student is allowed to join a discussion about his learner model then he is engaged in the process of reflecting upon his knowledge and reconsidering the ideas and assumptions he has formed.