Intensive scaffolding in an intelligent tutoring system for the learning of algebraic word problem solving
José Antonio González‐Calero, David Arnau, Luis Puig, Miguel Arevalillo‐Herráez · British Journal of Educational Technology · 2014
Abstract The term intensive scaffolding refers to any set of conceptual scaffolding strategies that always allow the user to find the solution to a problem. Despite the many benefits of scaffolding, some negative effects have also been reported. These are mainly related to the possibility that a student solves the problems without actually engaging in their content. In this paper, we have used an intelligent tutoring system ( ITS ) to analyze the effect that intensive scaffolding has on the learning of algebraic word problem solving ( AWPS ). Two different versions of the ITS , which differ in the amount of scaffolding that they provide, have been created. These two versions were used by two groups of students in Secondary Education, in a quasi‐experimental study. The comparison of pre‐ and posttest scores shows a significant increase of the competence in AWPS in the group that used the ITS with intensive scaffolding.