AbstractFrom research carried out over the last 20 years, there is now a wealth of data on the identification of students' misconceptions in various topics within science education. Much of the data in the form of questions and students' answers, and analysis of the data is well documented. Within this same period there have been major developments in the programming and use of microcomputer based expert system shells which can use formalised expert knowledge to mimic the processes normally carried out by a human expert. It seems that the two areas of research could, in the fuure, be brought together to provide support for teachers in using the research findings to support the individualised and targeted teaching of students in the classroom. A recent literature search, however, has shown the dearth of activity in this field. This paper reviews the situation at the present time and suggests how the two activities could be united.