Optimizing pattern weights with a genetic algorithm to improve automatic working memory capacity identification

Jason Bernard, Ting Wen Chang, Elvira Popescu, Sabine Graf

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPublished Conference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Cognitive load theory states that improper cognitive loads may negatively affect learning. By identifying students’ working memory capacity (WMC), personalized scaffolding techniques can be used, either by teachers or adaptive systems to offer students individual recommendations of learning activities based on their individual cognitive load. WMC has been identified traditionally by dedicated tests. However, these tests have certain drawbacks (e.g., students have to spend additional time on them, etc.). Therefore, recent research aims at automatically detecting WMC from students’ behavior in learning systems. This paper introduces an automatic approach to identify WMC in learning systems using a genetic algorithm. An evaluation of this approach using data from 63 students shows it outperforms the existing leading approach with an accuracy of 85.1%. By increasing the accuracy of automatic WMC identification, more accurate interventions can be made to better support students and ensure that their working memory is balanced properly while learning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntelligent Tutoring Systems - 13th International Conference, ITS 2016, Proceedings
EditorsJohn Stamper, Alessandro Micarelli, Kitty Panourgia
Pages334-340
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event13th International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, ITS 2016 - Zagreb, Croatia
Duration: 7 Jun. 201610 Jun. 2016

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume9684
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference13th International Conference on Intelligent Tutoring Systems, ITS 2016
Country/TerritoryCroatia
CityZagreb
Period7/06/1610/06/16

Keywords

  • Genetic algorithm
  • Student modeling
  • Working memory capacity

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