Problem

7th-grade English language learners often struggle with math word problems due to language barriers and a lack of tailored support. This leads to lower academic performance and decreased confidence in their abilities.

The traditional approach of providing generic math resources and tutoring is not effective for these students, as it does not address their specific needs related to language proficiency.

Solution

We developed an AI math tutor that offers adaptive learning, personalized guidance, and essential language support. The tutor systematically guides students through problem-solving processes, helping them develop analytical skills crucial for tackling math word problems effectively.

The AI tutor fosters an interactive learning environment that enhances retention and understanding. It provides translations of the content, making it accessible to English language learners. The solution aims to empower these students with the necessary tools to excel in mathematics despite language-related obstacles.

Pedagogy

While the AI math tutor is guiding the student, they will engage actively in conversation, adapting based on the student input. This AI tutor approach is to actively guide the student in considering the structure of word problems and discerning essential keywords that hint at the required mathematical operations. Together, they will analyze strategies, enabling the student to systematically approach and solve word problems.
The pedagogy of this AI math tutor is rooted in Constructivist learning theory, emphasizing active learner engagement through a two-way interaction, which fosters a collaborative learning environment. Utilizing scaffolding techniques inspired by Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), the tutor provides adaptive, step-by-step guidance catered to the learner's needs and capabilities. The instructional approach is problem-solving-focused, promoting the development of essential skills through the breakdown and analysis of math word problems. Key features of the tutor include personalized feedback mechanisms, multilingual translation capabilities, and a guided discovery approach, facilitating a customized and flexible learning experience that accommodates the learner's pace and prior knowledge.

Impact

Increased academic performance
Improved confidence in math abilities among English language learners

Link to Math Tutor

https://chat.openai.com/c/752a850b-fe15-406b-aae1-3eb5a3b62ae5

AI Math Tutor Boosts Performance for ELL Students