-
Title
-
A Safe Place for Productive Struggle: Using AI to Strengthen Year 6 Girls’ Self-Efficacy in Mathematics
-
Author
-
Lauren Parker
-
Year Published
-
2026
-
Description
-
This action research project investigated the impact of an AI-generated problem-solving platform on the mathematical self-efficacy of 24 Year 6 girls at Notting Hill and Ealing High School over twelve weeks. To foster independent problem-solving, teacher intervention was deliberately minimised, and the platform’s design omitted gamified metrics such as timers and scores; instead providing scaffolded discussion prompts for collaborative pairings and worked examples. Data were collected and triangulated through surveys, video interviews, focus groups, observations, and student reflections. Findings suggest an increase in self-efficacy, attributed to reduced social comparison, a shift from speed-based to perseverance-based success, and the development of autonomous problem-solving habits supported by collaborative practices. The results highlight that teacher-designed AI-generated learning environments can address gendered barriers to girls' self-efficacy in mathematics. Furthermore, this action research project offers broader pedagogical implications for mathematics teachers, highlighting how collaborative practice and activity design can create safer spaces for productive struggle to build girls’ self-efficacy.
-
Tags
-
Technology, Teaching and Learning
