Modeling students’ problem solving performance in the computer-based mathematics learning environment

Author(s):

Young-Jin Lee, (University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA)

Single Sentence Summary:

This paper develops a quantitative model of problem solving performance of students in the computer-based mathematics learning environment showing that the model is used as quantitative guideline that helps make a decision on when to provide instructional supports and guidance.

Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a quantitative model of problem solving performance of students in the computer-based mathematics learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Regularized logistic regression was used to create a quantitative model of problem solving performance of students that predicts whether students can solve a mathematics problem correctly based on how well they solved other problems in the past. The usefulness of the model was evaluated by comparing the predicted probability of correct problem solving to the actual problem solving performance on the data set that was not used in the model building process.

Findings

The regularized logistic regression model showed a better predictive power than the standard Bayesian Knowledge Tracing model, the most frequently used quantitative model of student learning in the Educational Data Mining research.

Originality/value

Providing instructional scaffolding is critical in order to facilitate student learning. However, most computer-based learning environments use heuristics or rely on the discretion of students when they determine whether instructional scaffolding needs be provided. The predictive model of problem solving performance of students can be used as a quantitative guideline that can help make a better decision on when to provide instructional supports and guidance in the computer-based learning environment, which can potentially maximize the learning outcome of students.

Keywords:

Problem solving, User modeling, Educational Data Mining (EDM), Log file analysis

Type:

Research paper

Publisher:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Received:

15 May 2017

Accepted:

24 August 2017

Copyright:

© Emerald Publishing Limited 2017
Published by Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only

Citation:

Young-Jin Lee, (2017) "Modeling students’ problem solving performance in the computer-based mathematics learning environment", The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, Vol. 34 Issue: 5, pp.385-395, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-05-2017-0031

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