WO2010049953A2 - An improved system for coaching assessment and practising - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for coaching, assessment, practicing, and maximizing performance Includes analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of questions and appropriate answers and for cross checking with the basic study mateπal. The method includes Identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, and testing modes. The system also includes integration of the embedded intelligent data with a web based engine. The method includes means for evolving standards in segmentation and grouping of typical mind set for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription. The system includes operative connections to suitable input devices, output devices, logic processors, and memory devices.

Description

AN IMPROVED SYSTEM FOR COACHING ASSESSMENT AND PRACTISING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general, relates to an improved system for coaching and practicing pursuant thereto and a method for implementing the same. In particular, it relates to a web enabled technology oriented system for coaching and the practicing pursuant thereto, mimicking the usual pen and paper manual coaching system and the follow up practicing. This system and the relevant method, track student progress and traits, provide for a platform for metrics as well as, enables convenient administration/coordination, involved in the examination preparation process. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of modernization and stiff competition, education has turned up to be the most important criteria among all other activities amongst students, their parents and teachers, at all levels of the present society. This has resulted in exploring the various avenues, teaching tools, testing methods, evaluation methods for the purpose of improving the learning skills of the students to enable them, score high marks in examinations. Competition and the resultant demand for hfgh marks have reached such height, that anything lesser than centum in all subjects, has become almost unacceptable. The two words students and competitors, have now become synonymous, at all levels of education.

There are bee lines of students attending coaching classes at schools, professional institutes, special classes, tuitions, mock tests, tutorials and so on. The hunt for better and effective learning goes on unabatedly. Locating quality teaching professionals, at reasonable cost, is another issue, haunting the students/competitors and their parents/guardians, since they are not ready to a take the slightest chance.

Presently, in general, students undergo the following procedures to prepare for examinations:

1. Revision and revision tests conducted by schools/professional institutes.

2. Tuition teachers in specific subjects

3. Prepare with hard copy guides and past question papers

4. Join professional coaching classes

5. Take part in model tests

6. Make a time table and self prepare. Given the intense competitive environment, students foliow more than one of the above processes, along with also preparing for the other entrance tests.

However, all the above processes work on the basic assumption, that all portions are serially and systematically learnt over and over again with the same degree of emphasis.

Given today's competitive environment this process, obviously does not produce the maximized effect, since it does not take into account the learning, retention, comprehension capacities of each individual student/competitor, which therefore, does not ensure peak performance, which is most coveted in today's competitive market.

With the intensification of modernization and stiff competition, the long felt need for a coaching system and its implementation, to maximize the ultimate individual performance, has become immediate, which necessarily involves newer techniques and measurement of individual traits, hitherto impossible.

The present invention meets the aforesaid long felt need.

All through out the specification, the words "school", "professional institutes",

"competitors", "boards" and "education" are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art.

Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching assessment and practicing for maximizing ultimate individual performance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching and practicing, involving newer techniques and measurement of individual traits.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching and practicing, which involves creating a feasibility space and providing scope to assemble a commercial model with scalability, utilizing computer and automation pursuant thereto.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching assessment and practicing having means for strategic analysis of possible scenarios, individual traits and capabilities to create individual peak performance. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching and practicing having means for recording and measurement of individual traits and capabilities to create individual performance through specific simulation and practice.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a web enabled technology oriented system for coaching and the practicing pursuant thereto, mimicking the usual pen and paper manual methodology. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for coaching and practicing adapted to track student progress and traits. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a platform for metrics as well as convenient administration for examination preparation process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a method for implementing coaching and practicing for maximizing ultimate individual performance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for managing heterogenous students/ competitors.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a method for implementing a web enabled technology under the control of suitable hardware features for coaching and the practicing pursuant thereto, mimicking the usual pen and paper manual methodology. How the foregoing objects are achieved and the other aspects of the present invention will be clear from the following description which is purely by way of understanding and not by way of any sort of limitation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system for coaching and practicing including: -

-means for analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of questions and appropriate answers and for cross checking with the basic study material.

-means for identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes,

-means for integration of the embedded intelligent data with a web based engine,

-means for evolving standards in segmentation/ grouping of typical mind set for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription, all said means being operatively connected to each other and to at least each of a suitable input device, output device, logic processor. and memory device whereby, maximizing of ultimate individual performance is facilitated .

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the system of the present invention:

-said means for identifying is adapted to identify keywords, intelligent steps, formatting and presentation of mathematical symbols, expressions, diagrams, pictures for selective selection to involve user action and processing.

-said system further including:

- means for designing the process of click to logic(sequence and story) followed by aided recall of drop down / click select activity, followed by unaided recall(i.e. fill in the blanks)

- means for coding of the questions and answers in terms of subject, chapters, pattern (e.g. Sec A,b etc.) type of memory skill and process, namely definition type , experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties so on and also for the overall type and method in the case of mathematics, proofs, derivations so on,

- means for capturing elementary and related group response times on practice attempts for data- mining for development of suitable metrics relating to memory - recall learning process of the brain.

-said various means are operatively connected to input device, output device, logic processor, memory device, RF and Time measurement device.

-said various means are operatively connected to game console, smart phones w/o communication, PC, tablet books- PC and embedded systems with Io interfaces.

-said system is adapted to apply the following components for its running: -

-Learning Management Data,

-Question Bank,

-Subject vocabulary basic symbols, operators, formulae, steps, relationships, rules, step sequences,

-Subject objects namely type of memory skill and process, namely definition type , experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties, concept groupings , step-sequence -logic groupings.

-Grammar: - Allowable patterns, subtopic relationships, maths operations differentiation, integration, type of equations.

-Standardized content stimuli: - (e.g. Like MS Windows standard File- Edit-

View- Help) etc. using disc fill in the blanks, drop down box, MCQ,MMCQ, ranking, sequencing and drag and drop, click, selective clicking. The present invention also provides a method for coaching and practicing for maximization of ultimate individual performance, said method being implemented in relation to at least each of a suitable input device, output device, logic processor and memory device, said method including the following steps: -

-analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of questions and appropriate answers,

-cross checking with the basic study material,

-identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes,

-integration of the embedded intelligent data with a web based engine,

-evolving standards in segmentation/ grouping of typical mind set for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention:

-said method further including the steps of :

-designing the process of click to logic (sequence and story) followed by aided recall of drop down / click select activity, followed by unaided recall (i.e. fill in the blanks)

-coding of the questions and answers in terms of subject, chapters,- pattern

(e.g. Sec A,b etc.) type of memory skill and process, namely definition type , experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties so on and also the overall type and method in the case of mathematics, proofs, deviations so on,

-capturing elementary and related group response times on practice attempts for data- mining for development of suitable metrics relating to memory - recall learning process of the brain.

-the step of identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes includes identification of key words, intelligent steps, formatting and presentation of mathematical symbols, expressions, diagrams pictures for selective selection to involve user action and processing.

-said method further including : -

-applying visual cue plus activity for aiding memorizing process,

-logical sequence activity and (or) visual cue followed by aided recall activity

(example drop down Box M. C.) and unaided recall activity (FIB / words) being driven multiple times and measuring feedback to assess reliable completion of the process, -applying said feedback to facilitate both linear and non-linear engagements,

-measuring time taken for each of the stimuli to form the basis of the surrogate measurement of the brain process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ACCOMPANYING THE

PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION

The nature and scope of the present invention will be better understood from the drawings accompanying the provisional specification, which are by way of illustration of some preferred embodiments and not by way of any sort of limitation. In the drawings accompanying the provisional specification:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematical representation of the operation of the system and method for coaching and practising existing in the art.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the operation of the system and method for coaching and practising for maximizing ultimate individual performance, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes some preferred embodiments of the present invention, which are purely by way of examples for the sake of understanding the performance of the invention, and not by way of any sort of limitation of the present invention to such examples.

As shown in the figure 1 accompanying the provisional specification presently, in general, under the existing system, students/competitors undergo the following procedures to prepare for examinations: a) Revision and revision tests conducted by schools/professional institutes(l). b)Tuition teachers in specific subjects(2). c) Prepare with hard copy guides and past question papers (3). d) Join professional coaching classes (4). e) Take part in model tests(5). f) Make a time table and self prepare (6).

A specific example of a conventional procedure to prepare for examinations may be as follows:

1. Class room lectures on subjects - topics including some worked examples (Base school, subject teacher, coaching institute, subject guide- self learn).

2. Home work - class tests - worksheets on subject - topics (Base: school, preconfigured questions / assignments - subject teacher, coaching institute, guide)

3. Unit test and term tests / examination - (Base School, subject teacher etc).

4. Model tests and mock tests to include also time dimension (Base School, subject teacher etc). 5. Minor review and emphasis on important questions and portion (Base School, subject teacher etc).

6. Quick revisions (Base School, subject teacher etc).

As explained before, the above processes work on the basic assumption, that all portions are serially and systematically learnt over and over again with the same degree of emphasis. However, in today's competitive environment this process, obviously does not produce the maximized effect, since it does not take into account the learning, retention, comprehension capacities of each individual student/competitor, which therefore, does not ensure peak performance, which is most coveted in today's competitive market. The present competitive market demands strategic analysis of possible scenarios, individual traits and capabilities, incorporating recording and measurements with instrumentation, to create individual peak performance through specific simulation and practice.

The advent of computers and automation not only creates a feasibility space but also provides scope to assemble a commercial model with scalability. This is exactly the consideration, where the present invention highlights upon. It principally, provides a computer enabled automated system for coaching and practicing, for maximizing ultimate individual performance. Having handled the space of education, including technology education, significant effort has been put on, comprehending both the examination space as well as the learning retention process of the mind. Also, it has been established, that significant improvement and peak performance is only possible by studying and taking into account, individual traits on retention and recall and incorporating remedials in successive practice sessions. This has lead to the development of a web enabled technology oriented coaching and practicing system, mimicking the usual pen and paper manual practice system. Its uniqueness is its ability to track student/competitor progress and traits, it provides for a platform for metrics as well as convenient administration, for the examination preparation process.

The web enabled technology oriented coaching and practicing system in accordance with the present invention can be implemented also, as a stand alone PC/TV game/Mobile/Open learning-namely broadcast stimuli through media vehicle (TV-Radio-etc and response is obtained from mobile-telephone- internet and other vehicle, as they suitably develop).

The various steps involved in the operation of the system for coaching and practicing for maximizing ultimate individual performance includes the following, as illustrated in the figure 2 accompanying the provisional specification. a)Analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of question and appropriate answers, cross checking with the prescribed text books for coverage purpose(7). b) Identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes (8). This includes identification of keywords, intelligent steps, formatting and presentation of mathematics symbols, expressions, diagrams pictures for selective selection to involve user action and processing. c) Integration of this embedded intelligent data with a web based engine (9) d)Designing the process of click to logic ( sequence and story) followed by aided recall of drop down / click select activity, followed by unaided recall (ie fill in the blanks )(10). e)Coding of the questions and answers in terms of subject , chapter, pattern(eg sec A , b etc), type of memory skill and process namely definition type, experiment, uses, advantages / disadvantage , proof , properties, so on and also the overall type and method in the case of mathematics , proofs , derivations so on(ll). f) Capturing elementary and related group response times on practice attempts for data-mining for development of suitable metrics relating 'to memory - recall - learning processes of the brain(12) and g) evolving standards in segmentation / grouping of typical mind sets (students) for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription (13). (include dynamic remedials on successive practice sessions)

The system for coaching and practicing for maximizing ultimate individual performance in accordance with the present invention has the necessary hardware features and the necessary means, under the control of which, the various steps according to the present invention operates.

The non-limiting examples of the hardware features which may be utilized in the present invention include micro-processor, PC, LAN and other components required for running of web-based technology. The non-limiting examples of software features which may be utilized include Java, js/vb, web-server scripts with capability of handling graphics and multiple media as well as different input devices.

The software preferably, comprises of the following components:

-LMS- Learning management system

-Question bank

-Keywords -Subject vocabulary basic symbols, operators, formulae, steps,

Relationships: rules, step sequences

-Subject objects namely type of memory skill and process, namely definition type, experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties, concept groupings, step-sequence -logic groupings

-Grammar: Allowable patterns, subtopic relationships, maths operations differentiation, integration, type of equations and so on.

-Standardized content stimuli ... (e.g. like MS windows standard File- Edit-

View-Help) etc, using Fill in the blanks, drop down box, MCQ, MMCQ, ranking, sequencing and drag and drop. It is not the functionality of each but how they are combined along with the object properties facilitating user interface and measurement.

The hardware preferably consists of the following:

-Input device

-Output device

-Processor for logic

-Media - memory for storage

-Communication capability RF etc

-Time measurement for response measuring

The implementation options are as under using the below mentioned hardware items.

-Game console

-smart phones w/o communication,

-PC,

-tablet books- PC

-embedded systems with IO interfaces

The above hardware and software components cohesively, bring the following items of

Implementation: -Both SW, Data empowered.

-SW embedded - data through communication channel and data server. -Data embedded - S/W through communication channel and application server -Skeleton I/O device with communication facility to interface to application and Data server.

-Manual hard copy printed suitably formatted to embed standard stimuli Refer my earlier definition given above. Exercise done with special pen which can ink, recognize handwriting as well as capture time and response data. Suitable encoding (magnetic ink, infrared ink ) for the stimuli questions - exercise and responses. Also suitable formatting of printed hard copy paper answers to enable MCQ automated OCR processes for capturing and processing other type eg fill in the blanks , drop down box etc types of answers.

-Simple network enabled application server with PC client (local area or internet).

-Stand alone PC application with encoded media (CD, pendrive, floppy ) with special keys and dedicated fonts for mathematics and security.

The following, non-limiting technical advantages are achieved by the present invention:

1) A student/competitor comes to know what he does not know.

2) It aids to facilitate easy memorizing, through specially designed activity

3) Provides anonymous doubt clearing system and subsequent knowledge base, for doubts handling.

4)It handles, big picture recall followed by detailed recall encouraging and training the mind to handle focused segment at a time, thereby leading to the psychological advantage of confidence and reliability.

5) Ensures, keeping track of volatile aspects of ideas, words related to answers and incorporating timely topping up of it, thereby managing complete preparedness and overcoming forgetfulness.

6) Ensures creating content summaries, for revision at different levels of scope and using symbol encoding and semantic enhancement methods.

7) Facilitates, ease of creating combinations of model test papers given the detailed encoding of question and answers.

8) Ensures almost instantaneous feed back, and or at selective learning stages including clue aids.

9) Ensures, incorporation of an interactive virtual assistant character / teacher- guide - virtual board for enhanced human interface.

The present invention also facilitates the following advantages: a)Workload reduction ( Teacher - Tutor - School/Professional Institute - student/ competitor) b) Complements SCHOOL/PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE and TUITION systems c) Work smarter not harder d)Complete time management of the tasks and scope e) Convenience in conducting administration procedure involved in preparing for examinations.

The present invention also facilitates a complementing mechanism for existing system of question bank - worksheets - homework / class work, unit tests - assignments - quizzes. It also facilitates, enhanced memory - recall - comprehension - retention management.

The present invention also facilitates method to manage heterogeneous students/competitors.

Transparent information dissimination is enabled by the present invention, to aid decentralized correction and assessment. This also enables, improving tutor efficiency and effectiveness.

Standardised approach to answers through keywords, resolving confusion due to many answers to a question, is also enabled by the present invention.

Mind process measurement is also facilitated, through time logging for diagnostics.

The present invention also provides metrics to evolve prescriptions and basis for future inventories and assessment instruments (forecasting).

To understand how the present invention performs, the following non-limiting example may be considered.

The frame of question and answers (scope - subject - chapter - exam paper format)

I Identification of phrases for logical sequences / activities to aid memorizing

I Identification of logical steps - stages - big picture

I Identification of keywords

I Categories of question

I Aided racall activity

I Unaided recall activity

I diagnosis and dynamic feedback Summary - revision - big picture

I Details aids - Symbol encoding - revision

I Interactive character human interface

I Appropriate activity for diagrams - pictures - graphics - labels - etc

I Logical object manipulation - drop down box - matching - clicking - click and drag - pointing - labeling - fill in the blanks - puzzle - visual cues etc.

I diagnosis and dynamic feedback

Learning paths - segmenting for heterogeneity management.— Diagnosis and metrics

The salient features of the present invention include: a)Big picture steps. b) Facilitates identifying keywords and key phrases. c) Enables activity based step wise memorizing. d) Identifies and reinforces memory for volatile parts. e) Facilitates standardised answers through keywords, resolving confusion due to multiple answers to a single question. f) Facilitates time management exam preparation plan. g) Provides heterogenity student management (individualized coaching incorporating individual strength - weakness). h) Memorising aids through structured activity, i) Enables fast revision. j) Facilitates activity to aid drawing - diagrams - labeling - association with objects ( visual memory cues), k) Provides adaptive examination preparation paths. I) Facilitates immediate feedback and self correction, m) Provides trial environment and feedback not intrusive on psyche, n) It complements aids and tools to present school and tuition systems. The present invention involves knowledge - comprehension - application - analysis - synthesis. These lead to problem solving skills to manage an environment. Each stage is a precondition - precursor to the next stage. The first three stage relies on process of memory, whereas the latter two also include the process of recognition - relationship - cognition - reinforcement - etc.

By way of non-limiting example and for understanding the present invention, the following specific exercise may be followed:

English language vocabulary - synonyms, antonyms (limited relationships) - sentence (grammar multiple relationships) ,- analysis (precis - splitting into parts , points , parts of speech, specific groupings) — synthesis (essay - rewriting for- against and giving a different perspective). In the case of school tests and examinations, the testing questions can be from a subject - chapter, each of which has a vocabulary subject chapter keywords , limited relationships ( comprehension ) within and across groups , grammar - specific groupings like definition , use , advantage etc (parts of speech) and application which is answers to questions. The process of visual cue plus activity is used for aiding the memorizing process. Logical sequence activity and (or) visual cue followed by aided recall activity (eg drop down box MC) and unaided recall activity ( FIB / words - phrases- short sentences) are involved. This is driven multiple times measuring feedback to assess that the process is reliably completed. The feedback is used to facilitate both linear and non linear engagements, to achieve ultimate individual preparedness and performance.

It encompasses measurement of the time taken (through machine / computer) for each of the stimuli (which are capable of being tagged) to form the basis of the surrogate measurement of the brain process. Data mining of this is used for classification of processes and metrics ( standards), for diagnostics and prescriptive therapy This is presently practically impossible where only holistic - qualitative - human perception (teacher) exists, limited to human skills . The present invention has been described with reference to some drawings and preferred embodiments, purely for the sake of understanding and not by way of any limitation and the present invention includes all legitimate developments within the scope of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for coaching and practicing including: -

-means for analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of questions and appropriate answers and for cross checking with the basic study material.

-means for identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes,

-means for integration of the embedded intelligent data with a web based engine,

-means for evolving standards in segmentation/ grouping of typical mind set for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription, all said means being operatively connected to each other and to at least each of a suitable input device, output device, logic processor and memory device whereby, maximizing of ultimate individual performance is facilitated .

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for identifying is adapted to identify keywords, intelligent steps, formatting and presentation of mathematical symbols, expressions, diagrams, pictures for selective selection to involve user action and processing.

3. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, further including:

- means for designing the process of click to logic( sequence and story) followed by aided recall of drop down / click select activity, followed by unaided recall(i.e. fill in the blanks)

- means for coding of the questions and answers in terms of subject, chapters, pattern (e.g. Sec A,b etc.) type of memory skill and process, namely definition type , experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties so on and also for the overall type and method in the case of mathematics, proofs, deviations so on,

- means for capturing elementary and related group response times on practice attempts for data- mining for development of suitable metrics relating to memory - recall learning process of the brain.

4. The system as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein said various means are operatively connected to input device, output device, logic processor, memory device, RF and Time measurement device.

5. The system as claimed in claims 1,2 and 3 wherein said various means are operatively connected to game console, smart phones w/o communication, mobile handset, PC, tablet books- PC and embedded systems with Io interfaces.

6. The system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said system is adapted to apply the following components for its running: -

-Learning Management Data,

-Question Bank,

-Subject vocabulary basic symbols, operators, formulae, steps, relationships, rules, step sequences,

-Grammar: - Allowable patterns, subtopic relationships, maths operations differentiation, integration, type of equations.

-Standardized content stimuli: - (e.g. Like MS Windows standard File- Edit-

View- Help) etc. using disc in the blanks, drop down box, MCQ,MMCQ, ranking, sequencing and drag and drop.

7. A method for coaching and practicing for maximization of ultimate individual performance, said method being implemented in relation to at least each of a suitable input device, output device, logic processor and memory device, said method including the following steps: -

-analysis of the syllabus and examination pattern of various boards to compile a list of questions and appropriate answers,

-cross checking with the basic study material,

-identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes,

-integration of the embedded intelligent data with a web based engine,

-evolving standards in segmentation/ grouping of typical mind set for the purpose of diagnosis and prescription.

8. The method for coaching and practicing as claimed in claim 7, further including the steps of :

-designing the process of click to logic (sequence and story) followed by aided recall of drop down / click select activity, followed by unaided recall (i.e. fill in the blanks)

-coding of the questions and answers in terms of subject, chapters, pattern (e.g. Sec A,b etc.) type of memory skill and process, namely definition type , experiment, uses, advantages/ disadvantages, proof, properties so on and also the overall type and method in the case of mathematics, proofs, derivations so on, -capturing elementary and related group response times on practice attempts for data- mining for development of suitable metrics relating to memory - recall learning process of the brain.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of identifying appropriate presentation and response themes for learning, preparation, testing modes includes identification of key words, intelligent steps, formatting and presentation of mathematical symbols, expressions, diagrams pictures for selective selection to involve user action and processing.

10. The method for coaching and practicing as claimed in claims 7 to 9, further including: -

-applying visual cue plus activity for aiding memorizing process,

-logical sequence activity and (or) visual cue followed by aided recall activity

(example drop down Box M. C.) and unaided recall activity (FIB / words) being driven multiple times and measuring feedback to assess reliable completion of the process,

-applying said feedback to facilitate both linear and non-linear engagements,

-measuring time taken for each of the stimuli to form the basis of the surrogate measurement of the brain process.