Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry

In this exploratory study, the potential of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT to support pre-service primary education mathematics teachers in constructing mathematical proofs in geometry is investigated. Utilizing the theoretical framework of instrumental genesis, the prior experie...

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Main Authors: Frederik Dilling, Marc Herrmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-10-01
Series:Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frai.2024.1460337/full
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author Frederik Dilling
Marc Herrmann
author_facet Frederik Dilling
Marc Herrmann
author_sort Frederik Dilling
collection DOAJ
description In this exploratory study, the potential of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT to support pre-service primary education mathematics teachers in constructing mathematical proofs in geometry is investigated. Utilizing the theoretical framework of instrumental genesis, the prior experiences of students with LLMs, their beliefs about the operating principle and their interactions with the chatbot are analyzed. Using qualitative content analysis, inductive categories for these aspects are formed. Results indicate that students had limited prior experiences with LLMs and used them predominantly for applications that are not mathematics specific. Regarding their beliefs, most show only superficial knowledge about the technology and misconceptions are common. The analysis of interactions showed multiple types of in parts mathematics-specific prompts and patterns on three different levels from single prompts to whole chat interactions.
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spelling doaj-art-1fb2d6ac68c1475c8258ce2cde9408412025-08-20T02:09:48ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence2624-82122024-10-01710.3389/frai.2024.14603371460337Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometryFrederik DillingMarc HerrmannIn this exploratory study, the potential of large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT to support pre-service primary education mathematics teachers in constructing mathematical proofs in geometry is investigated. Utilizing the theoretical framework of instrumental genesis, the prior experiences of students with LLMs, their beliefs about the operating principle and their interactions with the chatbot are analyzed. Using qualitative content analysis, inductive categories for these aspects are formed. Results indicate that students had limited prior experiences with LLMs and used them predominantly for applications that are not mathematics specific. Regarding their beliefs, most show only superficial knowledge about the technology and misconceptions are common. The analysis of interactions showed multiple types of in parts mathematics-specific prompts and patterns on three different levels from single prompts to whole chat interactions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frai.2024.1460337/fullChatGPTmathematics educationmathematical proofsteacher educationgenerative AIlarge language model
spellingShingle Frederik Dilling
Marc Herrmann
Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence
ChatGPT
mathematics education
mathematical proofs
teacher education
generative AI
large language model
title Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
title_full Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
title_fullStr Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
title_full_unstemmed Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
title_short Using large language models to support pre-service teachers mathematical reasoning—an exploratory study on ChatGPT as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
title_sort using large language models to support pre service teachers mathematical reasoning an exploratory study on chatgpt as an instrument for creating mathematical proofs in geometry
topic ChatGPT
mathematics education
mathematical proofs
teacher education
generative AI
large language model
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frai.2024.1460337/full
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