A computer framework to support self-explanation*
Cristina Conati, Jill H. Larkin · 1998
We present a computational framework for improving learning from examples by supporting self-explanation - the process of clarifying and making more complete to oneself the solution of an example. Many studies indicate that selfexplanation can improve problem solving performance, and that guiding selfexplanation can extend these benefits. Our goal is developing and testing a computer tutor --- the SE (Self-Explanation) Coach --- that can elicit and guide correct and effective self explanation, and thus improve problem solving performance in university-level Newtonian physics, a particularly complex and psychologically challenging domain. The self-explanations elicited by the SE Coach address how each component in the example solution can be justified in terms of (a) the theory of the instructional domain, and (b) the goal accomplished in the plan underlying the example solution. The SE Coach provides the student with a Workbench that interactively presents examples and provides tools t...