Cooperation in problem solving and educational computer programs

摘要

In this article, the central issue revolves around the way cooperation between pairs of 10–12-year-old students is carried out in three problem solving contexts, one of which involves the computer. We found important differences in cooperation within these three contexts. Analyses of cooperation dialogues in these settings show that during cooperation problem solving has to take place on a content and a communication level. Cooperation requires that the cooperating subjects acquire a common frame of reference in order to be able to negotiate and communicate their individual viewpoints and inferences. These results are relevant for cooperative learning and intelligent tutoring systems. On the basis of the conclusions of this analysis a prototype of an “intelligent cooperative educational system” has been developed. Some preliminary results on cooperation with this experimental computer program are presented.