Date
Publisher
arXiv
Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is a fundamental practice in middle-school mathematics education; however, student groups frequently stall or struggle without ongoing teacher support. Recent work has explored how Generative AI tools can be designed to support one-on-one tutoring, but little is known about how AI can be designed as peer learning partners in collaborative learning contexts. We conducted a participatory design study with 24 middle school students, who first engaged in mathematics CPS tasks with AI peers in a technology probe, and then collaboratively designed their ideal AI peer. Our findings reveal that students envision an AI peer as competent in mathematics yet explicitly deferential, providing progressive scaffolds such as hints and checks under clear student control. Students preferred a tone of friendly expertise over exaggerated personas. We also discuss design recommendations and implications for AI peers in middle school mathematics CPS.
Study at a glance
- Question: How do middle school students envision and design generative AI peer partners for collaborative math problem solving?
- Setting and data: 24 middle school students participating in collaborative math tasks and design activities.
- Method: Participatory design study using a technology probe and collaborative design activities.
Why it matters
Middle school students often struggle during collaborative math problem solving without ongoing teacher support, yet little is known about how to design generative AI as peer learning partners in group contexts.
Key findings
- Students envisioned an AI peer that is mathematically competent yet explicitly deferential, keeping students in clear control.
- Middle schoolers wanted AI peers to provide progressive scaffolds, such as hints and checks.
- Students preferred an AI peer with a tone of friendly expertise rather than exaggerated personas.
Summary drafted with AI from the paper’s abstract and may contain errors. See the full paper for details.
What is the application?
Who is the user?
Who age?
Why use AI?
Study design
