Interdisciplinary (99) This project is developing a full-scale integrative course constructed around the basic concepts of Proof, Function, and Computation. These three fundamental ideas lie at the core of logic, mathematics, and computer science, respectively. The expanded course builds on a prototype web-based offering, "Logic & Proofs," that features carefully scaffolded and highly interactive material, mini-tutors, and a sophisticated Proof Lab. The intellectual merit of the project includes the provision of automatically generated intelligent advice to students via a dynamic "Proof Tutor" that monitors the current progress of students working on proofs. The course also serves as a laboratory for controlled experiments investigating two broad issues: i) the efficacy of specific pedagogical approaches, e.g., the tutored teaching of strategies for proof construction, and ii) the transfer of the reflective use of logic from a formal context to the semiformal one of set theory and, then, to the informal context of computability theory. The project's potential for broader impacts lies in the applicability of this approach to other disciplines.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0618806
Program Officer
Herbert H. Richtol
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2006-09-01
Budget End
2010-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$476,194
Indirect Cost
Name
Carnegie-Mellon University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213