Individualizing Assessment of the Learning Path of Students Using Computer Assisted Learning

Abstract

As a student moves through a programmed instruction lesson, his responses are recorded. How can these data be organized so that student comparisons can establish common difficulties? A graphical method is proposed which develops individual branching graphs showing the learning path of each student. All teaching programs assume a hierarchy of skills, but if invalid, students will encounter difficulties which are shown on the individual's graph. Questions can also be used to measure skill levels which are analyzed by other techniques to confirm or disconfirm the hierarchy in the teaching program. A sample program is presented, and steps are explained to yield a branching matrix plot for each of two students. The computer draws the graphs which are used to improve the program and to provide evidence to support a proposed skill hierarchy.