Seyed Parsa Neshaei
Publications
Structuring versus Problematizing: How LLM-based Agents Scaffold Learning in Diagnostic Reasoning
Supporting students in developing diagnostic reasoning is a key challenge across educational domains. Novices often face cognitive biases such as premature closure and over-reliance on heuristics, and they struggle to transfer diagnostic strategies to new cases. Scenario-based learning (SBL) enhanced by Learning Analytics (LA) and large language models (LLM) offers a promising approach by combining realistic case experiences with personalized scaffolding. Yet, how different scaffolding approaches shape reasoning processes remains insufficiently explored. This study introduces PharmaSim Switch, an SBL environment for pharmacy technician training, extended with an LA- and LLM-powered pharmacist agent that implements pedagogical conversations rooted in two theory-driven scaffolding approaches: \emph{structuring} and \emph{problematizing}, as well as a student learning trajectory. In a between-groups experiment, 63 vocational students completed a learning scenario, a near-transfer scenario, and a far-transfer scenario under one of the two scaffolding conditions. Results indicate that both scaffolding approaches were effective in supporting the use of diagnostic strategies. Performance outcomes were primarily influenced by scenario complexity rather than students' prior knowledge or the scaffolding approach used. The structuring approach was associated with more accurate Active and Interactive participation, whereas problematizing elicited more Constructive engagement. These findings underscore the value of combining scaffolding approaches when designing LA- and LLM-based systems to effectively foster diagnostic reasoning.
REFINE: Real-world Exploration of Interactive Feedback and Student Behaviour
Formative feedback is central to effective learning, yet providing timely, individualised feedback at scale remains a persistent challenge. While recent work has explored the use of large language models (LLMs) to automate feedback, most existing systems still conceptualise feedback as a static, one-way artifact, offering limited support for interpretation, clarification, or follow-up. In this work, we introduce REFINE, a locally deployable, multi-agent feedback system built on small, open-source LLMs that treats feedback as an interactive process. REFINE combines a pedagogically-grounded feedback generation agent with an LLM-as-a-judge-guided regeneration loop using a human-aligned judge, and a self-reflective tool-calling interactive agent that supports student follow-up questions with context-aware, actionable responses. We evaluate REFINE through controlled experiments and an authentic classroom deployment in an undergraduate computer science course. Automatic evaluations show that judge-guided regeneration significantly improves feedback quality, and that the interactive agent produces efficient, high-quality responses comparable to a state-of-the-art closed-source model. Analysis of real student interactions further reveals distinct engagement patterns and indicates that system-generated feedback systematically steers subsequent student inquiry. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of multi-agent, tool-augmented feedback systems for scalable, interactive feedback.
Moving Beyond Review: Applying Language Models to Planning and Translation in Reflection
Reflective writing is known to support the development of students' metacognitive skills, yet learners often struggle to engage in deep reflection, limiting learning gains. Although large language models (LLMs) have been shown to improve writing skills, their use as conversational agents for reflective writing has produced mixed results and has largely focused on providing feedback on reflective texts, rather than support during planning and organizing. In this paper, inspired by the Cognitive Process Theory of writing (CPT), we propose the first application of LLMs to the planning and translation steps of reflective writing. We introduce Pensée, a tool to explore the effects of explicit AI support during these stages by scaffolding structured reflection planning using a conversational agent, and supporting translation by automatically extracting key concepts. We evaluate Pensée in a controlled between-subjects experiment (N=93), manipulating AI support across writing phases. Results show significantly greater reflection depth and structural quality when learners receive support during planning and translation stages of CPT, though these effects reduce in a delayed post-test. Analyses of learner behavior and perceptions further illustrate how CPT-aligned conversational support shapes reflection processes and learner experience, contributing empirical evidence for theory-driven uses of LLMs in AI-supported reflective writing.