Simulating Human Tutor Dialog Moves in AutoTutor
In IJAIED
12 (1): "Part II of the Special Issue on Analysing Educational Dialogue Interaction"
Publication information
Abstract
This purpose of this paper is to show how prevalent features of successful human tutoring
interactions can be integrated into a pedagogical agent, AutoTutor. AutoTutor is a fully
automated computer tutor that responds to learner input by simulating the dialog moves of
effective, normal human tutors. AutoTutor's delivery of dialog moves is organized within a 5-
step framework that is unique to normal human tutoring interactions. We assessed AutoTutor's
performance as an effective tutor and conversational partner during tutoring sessions with
virtual students of varying ability levels. Results from three evaluation cycles indicate the
following: (1) AutoTutor is capable of delivering pedagogically effective dialog moves that
mimic the dialog move choices of human tutors, and (2) AutoTutor is a reasonably effective
conversational partner
