Learner Modelling in Microworlds : conceptual model and architecture in MiGen

The design of user-modelling components for Exploratory Learning Environments (ELEs) presents a significant challenge, particularly because of the ill-structured nature of the tasks that students are asked to undertake. This paper focuses particularly on Microworlds and argues that following the usual approach of modelling a learner’s knowledge just in relation to concepts is not straightforward in such cases. We present a conceptual model that, as well as epistemic concepts, incorporates epistemic and unproductive ‘ways of thinking’ and their operationalisations through the affordances of the microworld. The paper also presents the architecture of the user model of the MiGen system, a microworld-based system aiming to support 11–14-year-old students in their learning of mathematical generalisation. We conclude the paper with a brief discussion of the generality of our approach and its applicability to other microworlds and ELEs.