Developing Singapore’s First ChatGPT-Based Prompt Tutor for Enhanced Student Learning: A Research Project by SMU Associate Professor Ouh Eng Lieh
Online learning has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While online courses offer flexibility and convenience, one of the challenges that students face is the lack of immediate feedback to enhance their learning. However, Associate Professor Ouh Eng Lieh from the Singapore Management University (SMU) is working on a groundbreaking solution to address this issue.
Professor Ouh is developing Singapore’s first ChatGPT-based Prompt Tutor to provide real-time feedback to enhance student learning. This innovative tool aims to bridge the gap between online learning and traditional classroom-based instruction by providing personalized prompts to students as they go through their online lessons. The Prompt Tutor is designed to answer students’ questions, clarify doubts, assign additional exercises, and even generate quizzes to help students hone their understanding of the material.
The importance of timely feedback in student learning cannot be overstated. According to the Cognitive Load Theory, effective cognitive load management, repeated reinforcement, and clarification of doubts are crucial for short-term knowledge to be committed to long-term memory. By providing real-time feedback through the Prompt Tutor, students can better manage their cognitive load and improve their learning outcomes.
Professor Ouh’s research project is funded by an MOE Tertiary Education Research Fund grant and involves collaboration with other SMU faculty members as well as researchers from Singapore University of Social Sciences. The project aims to develop a fully functioning Prompt Tutor and conduct experimental research to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing student learning.
One of the key aspects of the research project is the integration of the Prompt Tutor with SMU’s Interactive Tutorial Software System (ITSS) to provide real-time feedback based on students’ written reflections. By detecting doubts or inaccuracies in students’ reflections and providing personalized prompts, the Prompt Tutor can help students stay on track and deepen their understanding of the material.
While the initial focus of the research project is on teaching computing courses in tertiary institutions, the implications of the Prompt Tutor extend beyond the field of Computer Science or Information Systems. The tool’s discipline-agnostic design means that it can be easily adapted for use in other fields such as Social Science, Medicine, and languages.
In addition to benefiting students, the Prompt Tutor also has the potential to support instructors by reducing the time spent on student consultations. By providing real-time feedback and personalized prompts, the tool can help students stay engaged and motivated in their online learning journey.
Overall, Professor Ouh Eng Lieh’s research on the development of a ChatGPT-based Prompt Tutor represents a significant advancement in the field of online education. By leveraging artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and support to students, the Prompt Tutor has the potential to revolutionize online learning and enhance student outcomes in diverse academic disciplines.