poly-gents Misconception diagnosis
Read academic-learning-context first.
Process
- Elicit a worked attempt — even a wrong path carries signal.
- Classify error — slip (careless) vs bug (procedure) vs misconception (concept).
- Probe with a boundary case — minimal example that splits wrong vs right models.
- Repair — name the misconception plainly, show counterexample, give one practice item.
Field-agnostic patterns
- Confusing correlation with causation.
- Treating definitions as reversible when they are not.
- Over-generalizing from one homework instance.
Output
- Diagnostic question(s).
- Repair explanation + one follow-up problem.
- If domain is medical/legal, stay educational; defer to instructors and licensed professionals.