MathCAL and Its Database Design

Abstract

MathCAL is a tutoring system designed for learners to practice mathematical problem solving. It is capable of offering guidance and proposing remedial tutorials automatically. MathCAL uses Petri-nets as its knowledge representation model. The static domain knowledge as well as a learner's dynamic problem-solving steps in each interactive session is represented as Petri-nets, which may be used effectively for diagnosing a learner's problem-solving difficulties. The database maintained by MathCAL is consulted to decide on a suitable guidance for the learner. Math problems, solution paths and learners are three major entity sets modeled by the database. This paper describes the implementation details of MathCAL's database and its distinctive features.