arXiv:2507.02841cs.AIcs.CL2025-07ACL被引 40

用分步提示提升大模型强化学习推理能力,解决错误敏感与探索不足问题。

StepHint: Multi-level Stepwise Hints Enhance Reinforcement Learning to Reason

  • 通过多层级分步提示引导模型探索,增强解题路径多样性。
  • 在六项数学基准上超越现有方法,且在跨域任务中表现更优。
  • 适合需要提升复杂推理能力的LLM研究者或应用开发者。

基于可验证奖励的强化学习(RLVR)是提升大语言模型复杂推理能力的有前景方法。然而,现有RLVR方法面临两大挑战:近似错误奖励问题——微小失误即可使整体正确推理失效,严重降低训练效率;以及探索停滞问题——模型局限于自身“舒适区”,缺乏探索更优解的动力。为此,我们提出StepHint,一种新型RLVR算法,利用多层级分步提示促进模型更有效探索解空间。StepHint从更强模型生成有效推理链,并采用自适应分割方法将其分解为推理步骤。初始若干步骤作为提示,同时提供包含不同步数的多层级提示。该策略引导模型聚焦有潜力的解空间子集,同时保留自主探索灵活性。提示机制缓解了近似错误奖励问题,显著提升训练效率。此外,外部推理路径帮助模型发展更强推理能力,突破“舒适区”,缓解探索停滞。StepHint在六项数学基准上优于竞争性方法,展现出更强泛化能力,并在跨域基准上显著超越基线。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

Reinforcement learning with verifiable rewards (RLVR) is a promising approach for improving the complex reasoning abilities of large language models (LLMs). However, current RLVR methods face two significant challenges: the near-miss reward problem, where a small mistake can invalidate an otherwise correct reasoning process, greatly hindering training efficiency; and exploration stagnation, where models tend to focus on solutions within their ``comfort zone,'' lacking the motivation to explore potentially more effective alternatives. To address these challenges, we propose StepHint, a novel RLVR algorithm that utilizes multi-level stepwise hints to help models explore the solution space more effectively. StepHint generates valid reasoning chains from stronger models and partitions these chains into reasoning steps using our proposed adaptive partitioning method. The initial few steps are used as hints, and simultaneously, multiple-level hints (each comprising a different number of steps) are provided to the model. This approach directs the model's exploration toward a promising solution subspace while preserving its flexibility for independent exploration. By providing hints, StepHint mitigates the near-miss reward problem, thereby improving training efficiency. Additionally, the external reasoning pathways help the model develop better reasoning abilities, enabling it to move beyond its ``comfort zone'' and mitigate exploration stagnation. StepHint outperforms competitive RLVR enhancement methods across six mathematical benchmarks, while also demonstrating superior generalization and excelling over baselines on out-of-domain benchmarks.

强化学习推理增强大模型提示工程

Thank you to arXiv for use of its open access interoperability. PaperDance 不是 arXiv 官方产品;中文卡片由大模型生成,请以原文为准。