Computer-Based Support for Analogical Problem Solving and Learning

Despite the important role of specific examples for learning and problem solving, little support is given in computer-based learning and teaching environments to help students organize information about examples and problem solving episodes in a way that may enhance generalization and transfer. The main thesis of this chapter is that learning from examples can be improved — in particular, the transfer problem can be reduced — if students are supported in managing specific knowledge as it is acquired from worked-out examples and students’ own problem solving experiences. We sketch out the blueprint for a “Memory Assistant”, a computer program that helps students in the analogical problem solving process by reducing memory load, by providing semi-automatic remindings, and by pointing out differences and similarities between a new problem and the analogical source. After having identified some of the essential cognitive demands learning from examples imposes on students, we describe the interface features and functional requirements for a computerized tool that can help them to cope with these demands. It is suggested to use techniques developed in case- based reasoning systems to handle issues of case retrieval and modification, and combine them with a hypertext-based user interface, thus allowing for smooth case acquisition and retrieval. We illustrate these ideas with examples from the domain of mechanics problem solving.