Step-Based Tutoring Software for Complex Procedures in Circuit Analysis

(Innovative Practice, Work in Progress.) Step-based tutoring systems, in which each step of a student’s work is accepted by a computer using special interfaces and provided immediate feedback, are known to be more effective in promoting learning than traditional and more common answer-based tutoring systems, in which only the final (usually numerical) answer is evaluated. Prior work showed that this approach can be highly effective in the domain of linear circuit analysis in teaching topics involving relatively simple solution procedures. Here, we demonstrate a novel application of this approach to more cognitively complex, multi-step procedures used to analyze linear circuits using the superposition and source transformation methods. Both methods require that students interactively edit a circuit diagram repeatedly, interspersed with the writing of relevant equations. Scores on post-tests and student opinions are compared using a blind classroom-based experiment where students are randomly assigned to use either the new system or a commercially published answer-based tutoring system on these topics. Post-test scores are not statistically significantly different but students prefer the step-based system by a margin of 84 to 11% for superposition and 68 to 23% for source transformations.

[1]  H. E. Hanrahan,et al.  A knowledge-based aid for DC circuit analysis , 1989 .

[2]  Bridget Benson,et al.  CATE: A Circuit Analysis Tool for Education , 2016 .

[3]  X. Wang,et al.  Step-based tutoring system for introductory linear circuit analysis , 2015, 2015 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE).

[4]  E. R. Doering.  CircuitViz: a new method for visualizing the dynamic behavior of electric circuits , 1996 .

[5]  Barbara Oakley.  Use of the Internet in an introductory circuit analysis course , 1993, Proceedings of IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference - FIE '93.

[6]  Qiao Wang,et al.  Automated Problem and Solution Generation Software for Computer-aided Instruction in Elementary Linear Circuit Analysis , 2012 .

[7]  Pieter Rombouts,et al.  Web-Based Trainer for Electrical Circuit Analysis , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[8]  D. L. Millard,et al.  INCREASING INTERACTIVITY IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING , 2003 .

[9]  Yih-Fang Huang,et al.  Recent Progress in Step-Based Tutoring for Linear Circuit Analysis Courses , 2015 .

[10]  E. Bjork,et al.  Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning. , 2011 .

[11]  D. A. Conner,et al.  The development of interactive tutorials for introductory circuits , 1994, Proceedings IEEE 1st International Conference on Multi Media Engineering Education.

[12]  Chris R. Smaill,et al.  The implementation and evaluation of OASIS: a web-based learning and assessment tool for large classes , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[13]  F. de Coulon,et al.  KIRCHHOFF: an educational software for learning the basic principles and methodology in electrical circuits modeling , 1993 .

[14]  Robert K. Atkinson,et al.  Computer-aided instruction for introductory linear circuit analysis , 2013, 2013 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE).

[15]  Brian P. Butz,et al.  An intelligent tutoring system for circuit analysis , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[16]  F. J. Mabry,et al.  A student designed, Web-based learning program for circuit analysis , 2000, 30th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference. Building on A Century of Progress in Engineering Education. Conference Proceedings (IEEE Cat. No.00CH37135).

[17]  Robert K. Atkinson,et al.  Teaching Linear Circuit Analysis Techniques with Computers , 2013 .

[18]  B. J. Skromme,et al.  Impact of step-based tutoring on student learning in linear circuit courses , 2016, 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE).

[19]  R. Bjork.  Memory and metamemory considerations in the training of human beings. , 1994 .

[20]  Yih-Fang Huang,et al.  Expansion and Evaluation of a Step-Based Tutorial Program for Linear Cir- cuit Analysis , 2014 .

[21]  Alessandro Micarelli,et al.  SAMPLE: an intelligent educational system for electrical circuits , 1991 .

[22]  M. Nahvi.  A computer based intelligent synthetic tutor-tester for electrical engineering , 1990, 1990 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Conference Proceedings.

[23]  K. VanLehn.  The Relative Effectiveness of Human Tutoring, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, and Other Tutoring Systems , 2011 .

[24]  Prasad N. Enjeti,et al.  Use of web-based materials to teach electric circuit theory , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[25]  A. Yoshikawa,et al.  Intelligent tutoring system for electric circuit exercising , 1992 .

[26]  Veronica X. Yan,et al.  Memory and metamemory considerations in the instruction of human beings revisited: Implications for optimizing online learning. , 2016 .