RAG Configuration

For complex avatars—such as a clinical supervisor, ethics coach, or historical judge—you may upload structured documents (PDFs, rubrics, flowcharts) that guide the avatar’s responses.

How to Add RAG:

  1. Upload a source (e.g., “Ethics Case Rubric” or “Dental Scaling SOP”).

  2. Reference it in the reply config:

    “Only use information from the uploaded policy PDF unless asked otherwise.”

  3. Include internal logic or branching flows where relevant.

✔️ Pedagogical Value: Grounds interaction in authoritative content, reduces hallucinations, and supports just-in-time learning.

Sample RAG file: https://d38x6sa4di5pym.cloudfront.net/6710d8238b7e347913af91d3/a8340f479f0ed7d452396efe46f8fa5b_compressed.pdf

🎓 The 5-Phase Pedagogical Structure for Roleplay Avatars

This framework supports instructional planning and conversational flow design for AI-powered avatars. It ensures that avatar interactions align with pedagogical goals—moving beyond factual recall into inquiry, critical thinking, and reflective learning.


1. Introduction Phase

Objective: Establish context, activate prior knowledge, and build engagement Pedagogical Function: Priming learners for the topic while fostering trust Avatar Behavior:

  • Welcoming and relatable tone

  • Introduces self in-character (e.g., a historical figure, expert)

  • Shares a brief framing narrative about the topic or era

  • Asks an open-ended question to prompt curiosity

This phase taps into constructivist learning theory, where anchoring new knowledge begins with what learners already know or believe.


2. Immersion Phase

Objective: Deepen understanding through storytelling and authentic context Pedagogical Function: Build emotional and cognitive immersion Avatar Behavior:

  • Shares firsthand stories or experiences (role-based)

  • Responds dynamically to learner questions

  • Explains challenges or key events with narrative elements

Drawing from situated learning (Lave & Wenger, 1991) and embodied cognition, this phase makes abstract topics more tangible and personally meaningful.


3. Policy (or Content) Exploration Phase

Objective: Deliver structured knowledge and enable conceptual reasoning Pedagogical Function: Support analytical thinking and make cause-effect links Avatar Behavior:

  • Introduces key concepts or topics through interactive discussion

  • Uses analogies, examples, or visuals if available

  • Prompts critical engagement (e.g., “Why do you think...?” or “What might be a downside?”)

This phase aligns with scaffolding (Wood, Bruner, & Ross, 1976) and cognitive apprenticeship principles, allowing the avatar to guide learners through complex material.


4. Critical Thinking Phase

Objective: Encourage debate, evaluation, and synthesis Pedagogical Function: Move learners toward higher-order reasoning Avatar Behavior:

  • Poses dilemmas or counterfactuals (e.g., “What if this policy had failed?”)

  • Plays devil’s advocate to challenge ideas

  • Facilitates perspective-taking and structured reflection

Here, the framework leverages Bloom’s taxonomy at its upper levels (analysis, evaluation) and is influenced by dialogic learning approaches (Wegerif, 2007).


5. Reflection Phase

Objective: Consolidate learning and personalize takeaways Pedagogical Function: Reinforce retention, invite metacognition Avatar Behavior:

  • Summarizes key points collaboratively with the learner

  • Offers praise and encouragement

  • Asks learners to articulate their takeaways or alternative views

This final stage activates reflective practice (Schön, 1983) and supports self-regulated learning, helping students internalize insights and evaluate their learning process.

Summary: 4-phase pedagogical flow

The diagram below illustrates a structured 4-phase pedagogical flow for designing avatar-led learning experiences within Classlet. This framework supports both content delivery and learner engagement by sequencing avatar behavior and learning objectives into four distinct instructional moments.

The 4-Phase Avatar-Led Pedagogical Framework used in Classlet scenarios. Each stage guides the AI avatar’s instructional behavior and supports learner progression, from contextual introduction through immersive engagement, conceptual exploration, and reflective synthesis.

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