Learning from problem solving episodes has
previously been modeled in two different ways: Case-
based planners ( H a m m o n d , 1989) acquire additional
knowledge by storing n e w cases (i.e. the specific
plans for different problems); search-based systems
like S O A R or P R O D I G Y learn by chunking the
result of a search process (Rosenbloom eL al., 1991;
Minton et. al., 1989) and by forming macro-
operators (Korf, 1985). This paper proposes
comprehension-based learning as a third possibility:
From specific problem solving experiences (cases)
and a related problem description (text) some coarse-
grained abstract representation is constructed, that
m a y initially be inconsistent and redundant. B y
wholistic integration processes a coherent and
consistent procedure schema is subsequently formed.
Such a procedure schema can be reused for obtaining
solutions to jH-oblems which are quite different at the
concrete level, but have been comprehended to share
abstract commonalties. T h e acquisition of such a
procedure schema is exemplified for various solutions
to different Tower of Hanoi problems (3-, 4-, and 5-
disks). T h e utilization of these schemata is then
discussed for the 4-disk problem and respective
experimental data are reported.