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Applying artificial intelligence insights in a CAI program for “open sentence” mathematical problems in primary schools

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Abstract

Elementary school children are often unclear which operations to use when tackling mathematical problems of the “open sentence” kind (e.g. 3+*=7). We give details of (a) some of their “impasse-repair” and other problem-solving strategies; (b) computer models of knowledge and misconceptions underlying those strategies; and (c) a CAI program which can identify strategies and remedy gaps in knowledge and misconceptions. Tests of that program with second graders in five schools over six weeks indicate that one third profited significantly. The results are further discussed.

1. Jacobijn A. C. Sandberg, is now at the Department of Social Science Informatics, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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Barnard, Y.F., Sandberg, J.A.C. Applying artificial intelligence insights in a CAI program for “open sentence” mathematical problems in primary schools. Instr Sci 17, 263–276 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048345

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