A Dynamic Mixture Model to Detect Student Motivation and Proficiency

Unmotivated students do not reap the full rewards of using a computer-based intelligent tutoring system. Detection of improper behavior is thus an important component of an online student model. To meet this challenge, we present a dynamic mixture model based on Item Response Theory. This model, which simultaneously estimates a student’s proficiency and changing motivation level, was tested with data of high school students using a geometry tutoring system. By accounting for student motivation, the dynamic mixture model can more accurately estimate proficiency and the probability of a correct response. The model’s generality is an added benefit, making it applicable to many intelligent tutoring systems as well as other domains.