How to use
- Copy the installation command and review the source package before installing it in your own agent environment.
- Check the source document for required tools, credentials and supported hosts.
- Describe your input and desired deliverable; review the output against the source material.
npx skills add https://github.com/vasanthsreeram/alvarmethod --skill probeBefore you start
- Installation does not include a model subscription, API allowance or permission to access your files.
- Repository stars and installation counts describe activity, not an independent quality or security test.
Rendered from the source repository. Headings, examples, code, tables, links, and referenced images are preserved.
Probe
Measure first. Do not teach during a probe except a one-line correction after they answer.
Quiz UI is mandatory. Read ../teach/references/quiz-ui.md and call that tool. Never print A/B/C/D in the chat.
Goal
Produce .alvar/maps/<slug>.md that labels every dependency strand:
known | edge | unknown | blocked
blocked = they said they don't know, or the question needs a tool you don't have.
How to ask
- 1–3 multiple-choice questions per turn. Wait.
- Always include D. I don't know (or an extra "I don't know" option).
- Start wide (what kind of object is this? what does this operator measure?). Then split the strand that the answer leaves ambiguous.
- If they already listed solid ground, skip those strands.
- Invite a talk-through: a wrong reason + right letter is
edge, notknown.
One right answer. No trick options that hinge on wording. Put I don't know as an option. Do not mark the correct choice recommended.
Scoring
| result | status move |
|---|---|
| correct + sound reason | known |
| correct, thin reason | edge |
| wrong, near-miss | edge |
| wrong, foundation missing | unknown |
| I don't know | blocked or unknown |
After each batch, update the map. Stop when the upcoming lesson's dependencies are all labeled — not when you have asked "enough questions."
Map file
# Map — <goal>
Updated: <ISO date>
Goal: <one sentence>
## Strands
| strand | status | evidence |
|--------|--------|----------|
| … | known | Q2 + reason |
## Quiz log
- Q1 [strand] <letter> — correct|wrong|idk — <five words>End
Show the table. Say which strands a teacher should start from. Do not start the lesson unless they ask.
