Effectiveness of Hints vs. Complete Explanation using ASSISTments

A comprehensive set of measurement problems was created with identical tutoring content presented to students in one of two ways: Hints or Complete Explanations. A study was run using these problems sets to determine which type of tutoring is more effective. Students were randomly assigned one type of tutoring for each problem set that they attempted. We were able to conclude that Hints tutoring was more effective for area, perimeter, surface area, and volume problems. Complete Explanations were more effective for unit conversion problems. Students were less likely to be able to master Complete Explanation problems than Hints problems. Further analysis is required to determine if student ability has an effect on the most effective tutoring strategy