Integrating Artificial Intelligence into College Mathematics Curricula in China/Integracija umjetne inteligencije u kurikule matematike na kineskim fakultetima

Authors

  • Tingting Feng Qiongtai Normal University, College of Science Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v28i3.42192

Keywords:

educational technology, mathematical knowledge, metacognitive regulation, personalized learning, problem-solving strategies

Abstract

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of Google's Socratic application as a support tool for teaching mathematics at higher educational institutions in China. The study involved 400 students from four universities in Eastern China, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 200 students with comparable demographic characteristics. Over a 16-week period, students in the experimental group used Socratic for self-study and homework completion, while the control group continued using traditional learning methods. Student performance was evaluated using standardized examinations. Data on student engagement with the application were also collected, including usage frequency and feature utilization patterns. Additionally, metacognitive skills were assessed using a specialized questionnaire. The results showed that students in the experimental group significantly improved their mathematics performance compared to the control group, where no changes were observed. Statistical analysis confirmed that using the application to support the learning process positively influenced students’ academic outcomes. Analysis of application usage revealed that students actively utilized various features, including step-by-step hints, explanatory support, and solution verification tools. Overall, the study’s findings highlight the potential of Socratic as a tool for university-level mathematics instruction in contexts where opportunities for personalized feedback are limited.

Keywords: educational technology; mathematical knowledge; metacognitive regulation; personalized learning; problem-solving strategies

---

Sažetak

Ova studija analizira upotrebu Googleove aplikacije Socratic kao alata za podršku u nastavi matematike na visokim obrazovnim ustanovama u Kini. U studiji je sudjelovalo 400 studenata s četiriju sveučilišta u istočnoj Kini, podijeljenih u dvije skupine: eksperimentalnu i kontrolnu, od kojih je svaka obuhvaćala 200 studenata s usporedivim demografskim karakteristikama. Tijekom 16 tjedana studenti u eksperimentalnoj skupini koristili su aplikaciju Socratic za samostalno učenje i rješavanje domaćih zadaća, dok je kontrolna skupina nastavila koristiti tradicionalne metode učenja. Postignuća studenata ocijenjena su standardiziranim ispitima. Također su prikupljeni podatci o angažmanu studenata s aplikacijom, uključujući učestalost korištenja i obrasce korištenja značajki. Dodatno, metakognitivne vještine ocijenjene su pomoću specijaliziranoga upitnika. Rezultati su pokazali da su učenici u eksperimentalnoj skupini značajno poboljšali svoje rezultate iz matematike u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom, u kojoj promjene nisu zabilježene. Statistička analiza potvrdila je da je korištenje aplikacije za podršku procesu učenja pozitivno utjecalo na akademske rezultate učenika. Analiza korištenja aplikacije otkrila je da su učenici aktivno koristili razne značajke, uključujući upute korak po korak, pomoć pri objašnjenju i alate za provjeru rješenja. Sveukupno, nalazi istraživanja ističu potencijal platforme Socratic kao alata za poučavanje matematike na sveučilišnoj razini u kontekstima u kojima su prilike za personaliziranu povratnu informaciju ograničene.

Ključne riječi: matematičko znanje; metakognitivna regulacija; obrazovna tehnologija; personalizirano učenje; strategije rješavanja problema

References

Abar, C. A. A. P., Dos Santos, J. M. D. S., & de Almeida, M. V. (2024). Contributes of the integration between computational thinking and artificial intelligence for mathematics education. In Á. Rocha, C. Ferrás, J. Hochstetter Diez, & M. Diéguez Rebolledo (Eds.), International Conference on Information Technology & Systems (pp. 290–299). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54256-5_27

Aljamali, N. M., & Jabbar, A. A. H. (2020). Review on modern mathematics in the analysis of artificial intelligence data and innovative devices. Journal of Instrumentation and Innovation Sciences, 6, 10–19.

Batsaikhan, Z., & Correia, A.-P. (2024). The effects of generative artificial intelligence on intelligent tutoring systems in higher education: A systematic review. Studies in Technology Enhanced Learning, 4(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.33570bb1

Betteridge, J., Chan, E. Y., Corless, R. M., Davenport, J. H., & Grant, J. (2022). Teaching programming for mathematical scientists. In P. R. Richard, M. P. Vélez, & S. Van Vaerenbergh (Eds.), Mathematics Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: How Artificial Intelligence can Serve Mathematical Human Learning (pp. 251–276). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86909-0_12

Birgin, O., Bozkurt, E., Gürel, R., & Duru, A. (2015). The effect of computer-assisted instruction on 7th grade students’ achievement and attitudes toward mathematics: The case of the topic “Vertical Circular Cylinder”. Croatian Journal of Education: Hrvatski časopis za odgoj i obrazovanje, 17(3), 783–813. https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v17i3.1075

Broutın, M. S. T. (2024). Exploring mathematics teacher candidates' instrumentation process of generative artificial intelligence for developing lesson plans. Yükseköğretim Dergisi, 14(1), 165–176. https://doi.org/10.53478/yuksekogretim.1347061

Crompton, H., & Song, D. (2021). The potential of artificial intelligence in higher education. Revista Virtual Universidad Catolica del Norte, 62, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.35575/RVUCN.N62A1

DeFalco, J. A., & Sinatra, A. M. (2019). Adaptive instructional systems: The evolution of hybrid cognitive tools and tutoring systems. In R. Sottilare, & J. Schwarz (Eds.), Adaptive Instructional Systems (pp. 52–61). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22341-0_5

Drijvers, P., & Sinclair, N. (2024). The role of digital technologies in mathematics education: Purposes and perspectives. ZDM–Mathematics Education, 56, 239–248. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01535-x

Ee, J. H., & Huh, N. (2018). A study on the relationship between artificial intelligence and change in mathematics education. Communications of Mathematical Education, 32(1), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.7468/jksmee.2018.32.1.23

Engelbrecht, J., & Borba, M. C. (2024). Recent developments in using digital technology in mathematics education. ZDM–Mathematics Education, 56, 281–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01530-2

Fowler, D. S. (2023). AI in higher education: Academic integrity, harmony of insights, and recommendations. Journal of Ethics in Higher Education, 3, 127–143. https://doi.org/10.26034/fr.jehe.2023.4657

Gadanidis, G. (2017). Artificial intelligence, computational thinking, and mathematics education. The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 34(2), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-09-2016-0048

Gao, S. (2020). Innovative teaching of integration of artificial intelligence and university mathematics in big data environment. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 750(1), 012137. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/750/1/012137

Google LLC. (2020). Socratic by Google. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.socratic&hl=uk&gl=US

Gupta, A., Reddig, J., Calo, T., Weitekamp, D., & MacLellan, C. J. (2025). Beyond final answers: Evaluating large language models for math tutoring. In A. I. Cristea (Ed.), International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education (pp. 323–337). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98414-3_23

Hall Jr, O. P. (2020). Achieving Bloom's two-sigma goal using intelligent tutoring systems: Application to management education. In K. Kumar, & J. P. Davim (Eds.), Methodologies and Outcomes of Engineering and Technological Pedagogy (pp. 133–162). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-2245-5.ch009

Hampton, A. J., & Wang, L. (2019). Conversational AIS as the cornerstone of hybrid tutors. In R. Sottilare, & J. Schwarz (Eds.), Adaptive Instructional Systems (pp. 634–644). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22341-0_49

Huang, X. (2021). Aims for cultivating students’ key competencies based on artificial intelligence education in China. Education and Information Technologies, 26(5), 5127–5147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10530-2

Hwang, G. J., & Tu, Y. F. (2021). Roles and research trends of artificial intelligence in mathematics education: A bibliometric mapping analysis and systematic review. Mathematics, 9(6), 584. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9060584

Hwang, S. (2022). Examining the effects of artificial intelligence on elementary students’ mathematics achievement: A meta-analysis. Sustainability, 14(20), 13185. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013185

Jaboob, A., Durrah, O., & Chakir, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence: An overview. In A. Chakir (Eds.), Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (pp. 3–22). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50300-9_1

Jianzheng, S., & Xuwei, Z. (2023). Integration of AI with higher education innovation: Reforming future educational directions. International Journal of Science and Research, 12(10), 1727–1731. https://doi.org/10.21275/sr231023183401

Jiayu, Y. (2023). Challenges and opportunities of generative artificial intelligence in higher education student educational management. Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology, 7(9), 92–96. https://doi.org/10.23977/aetp.2023.070914

Kissi, P. S., Nat, M., & Idowu, A. (2019). Systematic review of web-based learning environments in high school mathematics education: Attitude, achievement, challenges, and possible solutions. Croatian Journal of Education/Hrvatski Časopis za Odgoj i Obrazovanje, 21(4), 1061. https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v21i4.3104

Knox, J. (2020). Artificial intelligence and education in China. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(3), 298–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1754236

Lagrange, J. B., & Richard, P. R. (2022). Instrumental genesis in the theory of MWS. In A. Kuzniak (Ed.), Mathematical work in educational context (pp. 211–228). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90850-8_9

Li, X., & Zaki, R. (2024). Harnessing the power of digital resources in mathematics education. In S. Papadakis (Ed.), IoT, AI, and ICT for Educational Applications (pp. 191–223). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50139-5_10

Luo, Y. (2024). Revolutionizing education with AI: The adaptive cognitive enhancement model (ACEM). Applied and Computational Engineering, 82, 71–76. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/82/20240929

Maphosa, V., & Maphosa, M. (2021). The trajectory of artificial intelligence research in higher education: A bibliometric analysis and visualisation. In V. Greunen (Ed.), 2021 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computing and Data Communication Systems (icABCD) (pp. 1–7). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/icABCD51485.2021.9519368

Martinho, C., & Martins, S. (2025). Artificial intelligence in higher education mathematics teaching: Applications, challenges, and opportunities. In L. G. Chova, C. G. Martínez, & J. Lees (Eds.), 17th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (pp. 6163–6167). IATED Academy. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2025.1516

Matzakos, N., Doukakis, S., & Moundridou, M. (2023). Learning mathematics with large language models. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 18(20), 51–71. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i20.42979

Melchor, P. J. M., Lomibao, L. S., & Parcutilo, J. O. (2023). Exploring the potential of AI integration in mathematics education. Journal of Innovations in Teaching and Learning, 3(1), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.12691/jitl-3-1-8

Mimoudi, A. (2024). AI, personalized education, and challenges. In C. Gonçalves, & J. C. D. Rouco (Eds.), 4th International Conference on AI Research (Vol. 4, pp. 271–280). ICAIR. https://doi.org/10.34190/icair.4.1.3133

Mohamed, M. Z. B., Hidayat, R., & Mahmud, M. K. H. B. (2022). Artificial intelligence in mathematics education: A systematic literature review. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 17(3), em0694. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/12132

Möller, M., Nirmal, G., Fabietti, D., Stierstorfer, Q., Zakhvatkin, M., Sommerfeld, H., & Schütt, S. (2024). Revolutionising Distance Learning: A Comparative Study of Learning Progress with AI-Driven Tutoring. arXiv preprint arXiv:2403.14642. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2403.14642

Nurjanah, R., & Jailani, J. (2020). Metacognitive awareness and mathematical problem solving ability of undergraduate students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1470(1), 012042. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1470/1/012042

Orhani, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence in teaching and learning mathematics. Kosovo Educational Research Journal, 2(3), 29–38.

Panit, N. (2025). Can critical thinking and AI work together? Environment and Social Psychology, 9(11), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i11.3141

Pardos, Z. A., & Bhandari, S. (2023). Learning Gain Differences between ChatGPT and Human Tutor Generated Algebra Hints. arXiv preprint arXiv:2302.06871. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2302.06871

Rane, N. (2023). Enhancing Mathematical Capabilities through ChatGPT and Similar Generative Artificial Intelligence: Roles and Challenges in Solving Mathematical Problems. SSRN 4603237. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4603237

Rashidi, N., & Fahmideh, Z. (2020). The relationship between EFL university students’ metacognitive awareness and their performance in reading comprehension. Cogent Education, 7(1), 1712045. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1712045

Rawat, K., & Mishra, M. K. (2022). Role of mathematics in novel artificial intelligence realm. In R. Bhardwaj (Eds.), Mathematics in Computational Science and Engineering (pp. 211–231). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119777557.ch10

Remoto, J. P. (2024). ChatGPT and other AIs: Personal relief and limitations among mathematics-oriented learners. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.54517/esp.v9i1.1911

Richard, P. R., Vélez, M. P., & Van Vaerenbergh, S. (2022). Mathematics Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86909-0

Rızvı, M. (2023). Investigating AI-powered tutoring systems. The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences, 31, 67–73. https://doi.org/10.55549/epess.1381518

Romney, G. W., Guymon, J., Romney, M. D., & Carlson, D. A. (2019). Curriculum for hands-on artificial intelligence cybersecurity. In 2019 18th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training (ITHET) (pp. 1–8). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ithet46829.2019.8937373

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54-67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860

Saha, S., Kamath, A., & Chaudhuri, M. S. (2023). A bibliometric analysis of the approaches of integrating artificial intelligence in higher education. In W. H. Ip (Ed.), 2023 International Conference on Intelligent Computing, Communication & Convergence (ICI3C) (pp. 185–193). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICI3C60830.2023.00045

Seo, S., Han, B., Harari, R. E., Dias, R. D., Zenati, M. A., Salas, E., & Unhelkar, V. (2025). Socratic: Enhancing Human Teamwork via AI-enabled Coaching. arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.17643. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2502.17643

Shin, D. (2022). Teaching mathematics integrating intelligent tutoring systems. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 20(8), 1659–1676. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-021-10221-x

Tanveer, M., Hassan, S., & Bhaumik, A. (2020). Academic policy regarding sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI). Sustainability, 12(22), 9435. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229435

Tashtoush, M. A., Wardat, Y., Ali, R. A., & Saleh, S. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: mathematics teachers’ perspectives, practices and challenges. Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics, 5(1), 60–77. https://doi.org/10.52866/ijcsm.2024.05.01.003

Tay, L. Y., Chan, M., Chong, S. K., Tan, J. Y., & Aiyoob, T. B. (2024). Learning of mathematics: A metacognitive experiences perspective. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 22(3), 561–583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-023-10385-8

Tomar, J., & Soshal, M. (2023). Synergies of artificial intelligence and mathematics. Journal Global Values, 14, 156–162. https://doi.org/10.31995/jgv.2023.v14iS3.019

Valjarević, D., Stanojević-Ristić, Z., Petrović, M., & Tomović, K. (2025). Factors that influence pupils’ engagement in learning mathematics and their effects on general academic achievement. Croatian Journal of Education: Hrvatski časopis za odgoj i obrazovanje, 27(3), 891–918. https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v27i3.6263

Wang, K. (2023). Design and implementation of smart teaching. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-0503

Woodroffe, T., Wallace, R., Guthadjaka, K., Funk, J., Maypilama, E., Ireland, S., Adair, R., Ober, R., Armstrong, S., Lowell, A., & Pollard, K. (2021). Indigenous women in science: A proposed framework for leadership, knowledge, innovation, and complexity. In W. B. James, C. Cobanoglu, & M. Cavusoglu (Eds.), Global Conference on Education and Research (pp. 1–16). University of South Florida M3 Center. https://doi.org/10.5038/9781955833042

Wu, R. (2021). Visualization of basic mathematics teaching based on artificial intelligence. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1992(4), 042042. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1992/4/042042

Xie, X., & Wang, T. (2024). Artificial Intelligence: A help or threat to contemporary education. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 3097–3111. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11947-7

Yang, H. (2020). Calculus teaching method based on artificial intelligence application. In C. T. Yang, Y. Pei, & J. W. Chang (Eds.), Innovative Computing: IC 2020 (pp. 139–145). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5959-4_17

Yang, S., & Bai, H. (2020). The integration design of artificial intelligence and normal students’ education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1453(1), 012090. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1453/1/012090

Yanuarto, W. N., Jaelani, A., Purwanto, J., & Zakaria, M. I. (2021). Socratic as mathematics learning application for differential equations concept. Hipotenusa: Journal of Mathematical Society, 3(1), 97–110. https://doi.org/10.18326/hipotenusa.v3i1.97-110

Zhang, F. (2022). Design and application of artificial intelligence technology-driven education system. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine, 2022, 8503239. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8503239

Downloads

Published

21-09-2026

Issue

Section

Basic Educational Sciences / Temeljne odgojno obrazovne znanosti