Learning Prolog in a schema-based environment

A set of basic construct Prolog schemata are presented as the basic constructs of a structured Prolog for recursive list processing. Prolog schema hierarchies are given that group classes of Prolog programs within each of the basic construct Prolog schemata via most-specific schemata which high-light their similarities and differences. A schema-based instructional approach based upon this classification of Prolog programs is provided as a method of introducing recursion to novice Prolog programmers. The incorporation of this approach to teaching recursive Prolog programming in an intelligent tutoring system is presented. Finally, a schema-based Prolog programming environment embedding this tutoring system in addition to a standard Prolog development system is proposed which promotes the acquisition and use of structured programming constructs in Prolog.