UMCF Curriculum Format

Overview

UMCF (UnaMentis Curriculum Format) is a JSON-based specification for educational content optimized for voice-based AI tutoring, built from the ground up for natural conversation.

Here's an example of the basic UMCF document structure in JSON:

{
  "umlcf_version": "1.0.0",
  "curriculum": {
    "id": "intro-calculus",
    "title": "Introduction to Calculus",
    "description": "A comprehensive introduction to differential calculus",
    "language": "en-US",
    "topics": [...]
  }
}

What UMCF Provides

UMCF is designed specifically for the unique needs of voice-based AI tutoring:

Document Structure

A UMCF document has a hierarchical structure:

Voice-Native Features

UMCF includes several features specifically designed for text-to-speech synthesis and natural voice interaction.

Spoken Text Variants

Every text field can have a spokenText variant optimized for TTS:

{
  "text": "The derivative of x² is 2x.",
  "spokenText": "The derivative of x squared is 2 x."
}

Pronunciation Guides

The glossary supports pronunciation hints for technical terms:

{
  "glossary": [{
    "term": "Euler",
    "definition": "Swiss mathematician (1707-1783)",
    "pronunciation": "OY-ler",
    "ipa": "/ˈɔɪlər/"
  }]
}

Stopping Points

Inline comprehension checks that pause the AI to verify understanding:

{
  "transcript": {
    "paragraphs": [
      "A derivative measures the rate of change of a function.",
      "Think of it as the slope of the function at any point."
    ],
    "stoppingPoints": [{
      "afterParagraph": 1,
      "type": "comprehensionCheck",
      "prompt": "Can you think of a real-world example where we care about rate of change?"
    }]
  }
}

Content Depth Levels

UMCF supports multiple depth levels for the same content, allowing the AI tutor to adapt to the learner's needs:

Topic Structure

Each topic contains the content and metadata for a single learning unit. Here's an example topic definition in JSON:

{
  "id": "derivatives-introduction",
  "title": "Introduction to Derivatives",
  "depthLevel": "intermediate",
  "estimatedDuration": "PT20M",

  "learningObjectives": [
    "Define the derivative as a rate of change",
    "Calculate derivatives of polynomial functions",
    "Interpret the derivative geometrically as slope"
  ],

  "transcript": {
    "text": "Today we're going to explore derivatives...",
    "spokenText": "Today we're going to explore derivatives.",
    "stoppingPoints": [...]
  },

  "alternativeExplanations": [{
    "id": "simple-analogy",
    "style": "analogy",
    "content": "Think of it like a speedometer in your car..."
  }, {
    "id": "technical",
    "style": "technical",
    "content": "Formally, the derivative is defined as the limit..."
  }],

  "misconceptions": [{
    "id": "derivative-is-tangent",
    "description": "Confusing derivative with tangent line",
    "triggers": ["the derivative is a line", "derivative touches the curve"],
    "remediation": "The derivative gives us the slope of the tangent line..."
  }],

  "children": [
    { "id": "power-rule", ... },
    { "id": "chain-rule", ... }
  ]
}

Alternative Explanations

When a learner doesn't understand, the tutor can try a different approach:

• simple: Plain language, no jargon
• technical: Formal definitions and notation
• analogy: Real-world comparisons
• visual: Descriptions of diagrams or animations
• example: Worked examples

Misconception Handling

UMCF allows content authors to anticipate common misunderstandings:

• Triggers: Phrases that indicate the misconception
• Remediation: Corrective explanation
• Prerequisites: Topics to review if misconception persists

Assessments

UMCF supports various assessment types optimized for voice interaction:

{
  "type": "reflection",
  "prompt": "How might derivatives help
  in predicting stock prices?",
  "rubric": [
    "Mentions rate of change",
    "Connects to real-world prediction"
  ]
}

{
  "type": "verbalQuiz",
  "question": "What is the derivative
  of x cubed?",
  "expectedPatterns": [
    "3 x squared",
    "three x to the second"
  ],
  "feedback": {
    "correct": "Exactly right!",
    "incorrect": "Remember the power rule..."
  }
}

{
  "type": "application",
  "scenario": "A ball is thrown upward...",
  "questions": [
    "When is the ball at its highest?",
    "What is the maximum height?"
  ],
  "hints": [
    "What happens to velocity at the peak?"
  ]
}

Learning Science Features

UMCF includes pedagogical features grounded in learning science research to promote genuine understanding and long-term retention.

{
  "type": "teachback",
  "prompt": "In your own words, explain
  what a derivative represents.",
  "tiers": {
    "excellent": "≥0.9 accuracy",
    "good": "≥0.7 accuracy",
    "partial": "≥0.4 accuracy",
    "struggling": "<0.4 accuracy"
  }
}

{
  "retrieval": {
    "algorithm": "sm2",
    "intervals": [1, 3, 7, 14, 30],
    "conceptId": "derivative-definition",
    "prompt": "What does a derivative
    measure?"
  }
}

{
  "metrics": {
    "thinkTimeSeconds": 45,
    "teachbackAttempts": 2,
    "encouragement": "You invested
    45 seconds of deep thinking.
    That's how real learning happens."
  }
}

Import System

UMCF includes a pluggable import system for converting existing content:

AI Enrichment Pipeline

Raw imported content can be enhanced using a 7-stage LLM pipeline:

1. Content Analysis: Identify structure and key concepts
2. Segmentation: Break into conversational chunks
3. Objective Extraction: Generate learning objectives
4. Assessment Generation: Create quizzes and reflections
5. Tutoring Enhancement: Add stopping points and misconceptions
6. Alternative Explanations: Generate multiple explanation styles
7. Knowledge Graph: Build concept relationships

AI Curriculum Generation

In addition to importing existing content, UnaMentis provides a comprehensive prompt system for generating UMCF-compliant curriculum from scratch using AI models like Claude or GPT-4.

How to Use

This approach lets you create custom curriculum for any topic, tailored to your specific audience and learning goals, without requiring technical knowledge of the UMCF format.

Standards Mapping

UMCF fields map to established educational technology standards for interoperability: