Computer environments for proof construction

Abstract: "Does the presentation of search space matter for complex problem solving tasks? We address this question for the construction ofproofs in sentential logic by comparing three computerized environments and measuring their relative pedagogical effectiveness. After beinggiven a pretest for logical aptitude, three matched groups were presented identical course material on logic for approximately five weeks. Problems from this material were completed in three different computerized environments, however. During that time, all students completedover one hundred exercises and then took a midterm. The group using the most informative and flexible interface performed substantially better on the midterm, with nearly all the difference arising in the harder problems.In two follow up experiments we added strategic problem solving help; student performance improved again (entirely on the more difficult problems)."