"Exceptional Talent and Enthusiasm for Math": An Examination of ChatGPT's Storylines for Learners of Mathematics

• In Event: Play, Motivation, and Engagement in Math Learning

Abstract

Storylines exist about the types of learners who participate and excel in mathematics. To understand how AI chatbots participate in such storylines, we examined ChatGPT’s feedback to different learners’ mathematical writing. Learners included academic labels, like gifted and special education, and race/ethnicity, like Black or Asian. Analysis of ChatGPT feedback illustrated storylines that White and Asian students were neutral and Black students were exceptional. Moreover, ChatGPT’s feedback differed for Black and Hispanic students, which included explicit reference to race and Spanish responses. ChatGPT also promoted narratives that students in special education, with learning disabilities, or English language learners are similarly able and need to overcome challenges to be mathematically successful.

Authors

• Madeline Day Price, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Erin M. Smith, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• R. Smith, University of Nevada - Las Vegas