6.4: Learning Tree Assignments

Learning trees are questions with embedded support material designed to help you learn the skills or content for the assessed concept. A learning tree starts with a root question, which looks like an auto-graded question. If you answer it correctly, you can move on to the next question in the assignment. However, if you get the root question incorrect, you are prompted to move into the learning tree, where there are support materials and further concept checks. The general outline of a learning tree is shown in (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)), and the different terms are described below.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): General structure of a learning tree assessment

The tree has nodes connected to the root question, starting with a strategy map, followed by different branches relating to the skills or concepts assessed in the root question. 

• Strategy Maps help guide you through the learning tree and direct you toward the material they may need to review. In the map, there’s generally a description of the skills required for the root question and the individual branches of the tree.
• Branch Expositions are ADAPT pages that contain text, videos, or other linked material designed to help you learn the material. 
• Branch Expositions: The branch exposition should contain learning materials for the student that address the skills/concepts required to solve the root problem. The material can be text, videos, or other materials, and it is best to focus on one skill or a couple of skills to help students target their learning. 
• Branch Assessments are questions relating to the Branch Expositions in the learning tree. 

The goal of the learning tree is to provide support materials in each branch that address the potential gaps and help you learn the material. When you successfully complete a branch assessment, you will earn another chance at the root question, and hopefully, you will have gained the knowledge required to answer the question. You are always welcome to view the learning tree material after you’ve entered a response to the root question. Navigating a learning tree may be intimidating at first, but this guide outlines the process, and there’s a helpful video at the end. 

Navigating Learning Trees

When you encounter a learning tree question, it will look like an auto-graded question with extra information about the number of resets you have available. Resets are additional attempts at the root assessment earned by complete branch assessments. The resets are different from the attempts listed on the right side of the question view, and resetting a question resets your number of attempts. 

After you complete your submission, you can enter the learning tree by clicking the “View Learning Tree” button. The button will appear in your submission summary after you’ve had feedback on your answer (see (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\))), or you can find it in the question view (see Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)). You will also see the branch assessment requirement for obtaining a reset of the root question.

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Submission feedback view with the button to enter the learning tree highlighted.

 

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Example root assessment with the button to enter the learning tree highlighted.

Once you have entered the learning tree, you should see the learning tree view with the different nodes and branches (Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)). 

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Example learning tree with the different components identified.

At the top of the tree is the root question you just attempted. Below it is the strategy map and branch expositions. You can view a node (the boxes in the tree) by clicking on its title. For example, if I want to view the strategy map, I would click the name of the second from the top box. However, before viewing a node, you must unlock it by viewing the previous node: viewed nodes appear as green boxes. For example, the strategy map in (Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)) has been viewed and has a green box, which means I can view either of the boxes below the strategy map (branch 1 and 2 expositions). If I then view the branch 1 exposition, I can attempt the branch 1 assessment. Unlocking a node requires you to spend a specific amount of time viewing the node, and you will see a countdown timer at the bottom of the node view (see (Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\))). 

Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Example node with the information, countdown timer, and exit button highlighted.

 Each branch should contain an auto-graded assessment at the end, and if you answer it correctly, you will receive a reset of the root question. To navigate back to the root, you can either click the “Retry the Root” button or exit the learning tree. (Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\)) shows a successful branch assessment with the root reset dialogue.

Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): Example successful branch completion with the button to retry the root highlighted.

 Retrying Root Assessments

Once you have completed the required branch assessment, you must reset your submission to retry the root question. You can reset your submission using the “Reset Submission” button on the root question view. (Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\)) shows the location of the reset button, along with where you can see the number of resets you have available.

Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\): Example root assessment after a successful branch completion. The Root Reset button is highlighted along with information about available resets.