Worked-Out Examples with ChatGPT-Based Explanations: A Statistics Activity

Abstract

This study aims to prepare statistics activity-targeting comprehension of the arithmetic mean, consisting of worked-out example explanations through ChatGPT for sixth graders; determine situations encountered during the implementation of the activity; ascertain the effect of the activity on students’ mathematics problem-solving performance; and obtain students’ perception about the activity. The embedded design was used in this study. A one-group pre-test-post-test design was employed to assess the situations experienced during the activity and its effectiveness. Additionally, a generic qualitative inquiry was conducted to understand the students' perceptions of the activity. Thirteen sixth-grade students were involved in the study. In addition to the activity developed, a mathematics performance test and a reflection paper were used to obtain data. As a result, ChatGPT assists students in solving problems through step-by-step explanations. The activity, which utilized ChatGPT-based explanations as a worked-out example, was statistically significant in improving students’ mathematics problem-solving performance. Additionally, it was found to be enjoyable, informative, and beneficial for students’ learning. However, ChatGPT distorted the given mathematics problem or tables in the problem and displayed incorrect explanations or solved mathematics problems by including a topic that the students had not learned, even though it was stated in the prompt.