Troy E Howe

US Patent:

8355665, Jan 15, 2013

Filed:

Mar 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/397303

Inventors:

Mel Maron - Louisville KY, US
Troy E. Howe - Greenwood IN, US

International Classification:

G09B 11/00

US Classification:

434353

Abstract:

The method of computerized grading of formula-based multi-step problems includes the steps of providing a memory for storing problems and data to enable and facilitate assessment of correctness of problems, storing at least one formula-based multi-step problem in the memory, a complete solution to the problem requiring calculation of at least one intermediate answer and a subsequent calculation using said intermediate answer to arrive at said complete solution, providing a computer program that can grade submitted answers to the steps of said problem, providing a user interface with selective access to the memory and the computer program, and providing a global computer network with which the user interface can be connected to the memory and grading program.

US Patent:

7904017, Mar 8, 2011

Filed:

Mar 16, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/080566

Inventors:

Mel Maron - Louisville KY, US
Troy E. Howe - Louisville KY, US

International Classification:

C09B 11/00

US Classification:

434362, 434353, 434188

Abstract:

A process for using a computer to assess problem-solving skill includes a computer program that grades multi-step problems and is made aware of several different but equally valid formulas or methods that use answers to one or more prior steps to arrive at a correct answer to any problem step for which such choices exist. The user is allowed to submit answers, repeatedly if necessary, to any or all of a problem's steps, in any desired order, until all steps are either graded as correct or the correct answer was requested and given. A user's problem-solving skill level is assessed by compiling how many times answers to each step were submitted and on which Tries; if graded as correct, the Try on which credit was given and whether credit was given for a submitted answer, a submitted formula, or an unsubmitted answer for which prior-answer credit was given; if the correct answer was requested, the Try for which the request was made; and if hints are provided, a summary of their use. This data is stored and used to assess a user's skill level.