Math Justice League Blog

Dear Math Justice League,

Here is a fun game  - feel free to play at home! Count how many times you have heard the following from those at your school:

• "How am I supposed to know if a student actually wrote this or if AI did it for them?"

• "I barely have time to grade and prep, let alone learn how to use AI in my lessons."

• "What if the AI gives wrong information? I can't trust it to teach my students." 

• "Students are already too dependent on technology. AI will just make it worse." 

• "I became a teacher to connect with students, not to have them interact with machines all day."

How did you do? Well, whether you've heard none or all, it's clear that AI in education is a hot-button issue (Duh, Jimmy! Tell me something that I don’t know!). My point: What if these worries are preventing us from harnessing a powerful tool for enhancing critical thinking and preparing students for the future? In this blog, I offer a pathway for those nameless voices above to explore how AI can be productively integrated into their classrooms and schools. We can address these concerns head-on! So, I invite you to turn these quotes that you’ve likely encountered into an invitational challenge to these false constraints. We can set the productive use of AI in the classroom, and at Embark Education, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can redefine the middle school math experience, transforming these challenges into growth opportunities and leveling the playing field for diverse learners. 

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Tip 1: Set Norms for AI Use

Before diving into AI, I knew I had to lay a solid foundation. We discussed AI’s strengths and limitations upfront, setting clear norms for its use. Introducing AI as a “thinking partner” has helped shift learners’ perceptions, encouraging them to see productive struggle as part of growth. By engaging with AI-driven chatbots that simulate different personas, students explore concepts by teaching and explaining, which emphasizes communication and problem-solving. The goal was not to allow learners to default to AI for answers but to use it as a tool for engagement, debate, and critical analysis. For instance, we used a chatbot role-playing an “older, fixed-mindset A+ student” resistant to collaboration. Learners guided the AI toward seeing the value of teamwork, reinforcing their understanding of growth mindset principles. This approach helps learners move beyond grade-level constraints, focusing on growth rather than fixed expectations. Once those norms were in place, I saw a remarkable shift in how learners approached problem-solving. Rather than relying on AI for shortcuts, they started using it to stretch their thinking and test the limits of their understanding.

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Tip 2: Build a Growth Mindset Through AI

Central to this approach has been reframing AI as a partner in the learning process, helping learners internalize the mindset that productive struggle and iteration are part of growth. One key challenge I noticed early on that learners often attributed their frustrations with a new tool to their own abilities in mathematics. This is where AI became especially useful. By prompting chatbots to simulate different perspectives (such as an overconfident peer who dismisses collaboration or a fellow learner seeking help), learners engaged with the material in a way that emphasized communication, teaching, and reflective problem-solving, rather than focusing solely on “getting it right.”

For example, one of the roles I introduced was that of a younger peer needing help with foundational concepts. The process of teaching the chatbot not only solidified their understanding of math but also helped them see themselves as capable mathematicians and communicators.

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Tip 3: Use AI for Equitable Participation

What struck me most, however, was how AI provided an equitable platform for all learners to engage with math. By personalizing interactions based on where each learner was in their mathematical journey, I saw students who typically hesitated in class discussions gain confidence in their ideas through their writing and digital engagement. In a competency-based environment, AI enables learners to progress at their own pace, mastering foundational concepts and exploring more advanced topics naturally. For example, when students submitted math notes to a chatbot and received follow-up questions, they were prompted to reflect on their explanations, furthering both their math skills and communication abilities. Given our intentional and inclusive prompting, the AI would meet them at their level, offering accessible language and generating reflection questions tailored to their specific understanding. This feedback loop encourages every student to grow from their individual starting point, regardless of initial comfort levels or traditional grade-level boundaries.

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A great example of this occurred when I had my learners submit their math notes to the chatbot, asking it to generate similar problems based on their notes. This exercise tested not only their math skills but also their ability to clearly communicate their understanding. The chatbot would return with questions for them to solve or reflect on, providing a personalized feedback loop that allowed them to challenge and improve their own learning. When the chatbot generated follow-up questions, it forced my learners to reflect on their original explanation and its clarity. Did the AI truly grasp their intended meaning? This method was instrumental in encouraging a deeper mastery of both mathematical concepts and effective communication, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their starting point, had the opportunity to grow.

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Putting the Tips Together: AI, Arithmetic, and Argumentation

AI has the potential to be a transformative force in education, but only if we use it intentionally. By focusing on fostering a growth mindset and equitable participation, AI can become more than just a tool; it can be a partner in creating a dynamic, learner-centered classroom where every student feels empowered to explore their mathematical capabilities. As you explore ways to integrate AI, consider starting with these strategies to empower your learners and redefine engagement. To dive deeper, check out the resources linked below or try introducing a chatbot exercise to see the impact firsthand.

Resources:

• The Generative AI and ChatGPT Sandbox at What School Could Be

• AI & Its Impact on Education - A Presentation from Ben Owens at Open Way Learning

• AI in Education - Getting Smart

In Crew, 

Jimmy McCue

Educator and Adult Learning Development / Recruitment Lead at Embark Education in Denver, CO

Instructional and Leadership Coach at Open Way Learning in Denver, CO