Computer-Guided Inquiry to Improve Science Learning

Citation

Linn, M. C., Gerard, L., Ryoo, K., McElhaney, K., Liu, O. L., & Rafferty, A. N. (2014). Computer-guided inquiry to improve science learning. Science, 344(6180), 155-156.

Abstract

Engaging students in inquiry practices is known to motivate them to persist in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and to create lifelong learners (1, 2). In inquiry, students initiate investigations, gather data, critique evidence, and make sophisticated drawings or write coherent essays to explain complex phenomena. Yet, most instruction relies on lectures that transmit information and multiple-choice tests that determine which details students recall. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) mostly offer more of the same. But new cyber-learning tools may change all this, by taking advantage of new algorithms to automatically score student essays and drawings and offer personalized guidance.


Read more from SRI

  • An arid, rural Nevada landscape

    Can AI help us find valuable minerals?

    SRI’s machine learning-based geospatial analytics platform, already adopted by the USGS, is poised to make waves in the mining industry.

  • Two students in a computer lab

    Building a lab-to-market pipeline for education

    The SRI-led LEARN Network demonstrates how we can get the best evidence-based educational programs to classrooms and students.

  • Code reflected in a man's eyeglasses

    LLM risks from A to Z

    A new paper from SRI and Brazil’s Instituto Eldorado delivers a comprehensive update on the security risks to large language models.