Linguistic Skill Modeling for Second Language Acquisition Brian Zylich Andrew Lan
[email protected] [email protected] University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts ABSTRACT 1 INTRODUCTION To adapt materials for an individual learner, intelligent tutoring Intelligent tutors and computer-assisted learning are seeing an systems must estimate their knowledge or abilities. Depending on uptick in usage recently due to advancements in technology and the content taught by the tutor, there have historically been differ- recent shifts to remote learning [39]. These systems have the ability ent approaches to student modeling. Unlike common skill-based to customize their interactions with each individual learner, which models used by math and science tutors, second language acquisi- enables them to provide personalized interventions at a much larger tion (SLA) tutors use memory-based models since there are many scale than one-on-one tutoring. For example, an intelligent math tasks involving memorization and retrieval, such as learning the tutor might identify key skills that a learner has not mastered based meaning of a word in a second language. Based on estimated mem- on items they have attempted and address these skill deficiencies ory strengths provided by these memory-based models, SLA tutors through targeted explanations and additional practice opportunities. are able to identify the optimal timing and content of retrieval prac- Similarly, an intelligent second language acquisition (SLA) tutor tices for each learner to improve retention. In this work, we seek might identify the words (and their contexts) with which a learner to determine whether skill-based models can be combined with tends to struggle and provide more practice opportunities, espe- memory-based models to improve student modeling and especially cially retrieval practice [15].