Interactive hints to help with solving exercises

Initiated by Prof. Nicolas Grandjean and developed as part of a DRIL project, the hint system was implemented and used this semester in the PHY-106(a) course.

Hints to encourage independent learning

When an exercise is particularly complex, many students may get stuck on the first few steps or be unsure of how to proceed. Hints allow them to progress independently, without providing them with the solution directly. The hint system also enables students to check their own solutions to an exercise.

Hints are organised into several levels and take the form of questions, points for consideration or targeted reminders that guide students in solving the problem. They may contain text, mathematical equations and illustrations where relevant.

A quick and simple process

The implementation of the hints has been designed to minimise the workload for teachers.

1. You send us your exercise and the answer key in the format of your choice (PDF, Word, LaTeX preferred, etc.).
2. Our team generates the various levels of hints using a locally hosted LLM and a method developed at EPFL, then integrates them into the Exoset platform. All data remains within the school.
3. You proofread, correct and approve the hints directly on the platform.
4. Once validated, you download your exercise in PDF format, accompanied by a QR code allowing students to access the hints. (Link to an example)

The whole process is quick and requires little input from you.

A benefit for teachers

Writing educational hints is highly appreciated by students but is time-consuming. Thanks to this new service, we take care of this step whilst leaving you with final control over the content.

You thus benefit from additional teaching support without having to produce the various levels of help yourself.

A benefit for students

The hints offer students immediate help when they encounter a difficulty. This allows them to progress at their own pace and develop greater independence.

Access to hints is entirely optional: students who wish to solve the exercises without assistance can simply choose not to consult them.

What students tell us

A user survey highlights the value of this approach:

• 78% of survey respondents (n=50) used the hints every week.
• 80% used them to understand how to start an exercise.
• 66% found them useful for making progress when they were stuck.
• 68% said that the hints made them more keen to find the solution themselves.
• The service received a satisfaction rating of 6 out of 7.

See an example

Would you like to see what these hints look like from the students’ perspective? Take a look at this example of an exercise enhanced with several levels of hints. You will be able to see how students are gradually guided in their thinking: https://exoset.epfl.ch/resources/chauffage-dune-maison-en-pierre.

Interested?

If you’d like to enhance your exercises with interactive hints or find out more about the service, please don’t hesitate to contact the Centre for Digital Education.