Updating STACK Potential Response Trees Based on Separated Concerns

Abstract

The STACK system is a computer aided assessment package for mathematics. STACK questions include full algebraic input with validation.  Feedback is provided to students using "potential response trees", written by the teacher for each question. In this research, we are updating STACK potential response tree based on students' concerns in learning induction proofs. We have identified a specific misconception in learning mathematical induction from prior educational research, designed STACK question to test if students exhibit this misconception, and then illustrated how we updated STACK potential response tree based on this misconception. One main goal of separating concerns is to understand students’ responses and evaluate the question itself from an academic prospective and ultimately to improve the questions for future years. In addition, one of the contributions of this study is to improve our general understanding of how to design and use STACK potential response trees.