Artificial intelligence in mathematics education through pólya’s problem-solving framework

Abstract

This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in mathematics education through the lens of George Pólya’s problem-solving framework, as presented in How to Solve It (1945). While AI technologies offer significant opportunities to enhance learning, they also introduce challenges related to student autonomy, intellectual responsibility, and the integrity of the learning process. By revisiting Pólya’s four stages: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back, this study proposes a human-centered approach to AI-assisted learning that prioritizes reasoning over automation. The article argues that AI should function as a cognitive partner rather than a substitute for thinking, fostering reflective engagement and responsible learning practices. Attention is given to issues of equity, access, and academic integrity in diverse educational contexts. This work contributes to ongoing discussions on the responsible use of emerging technologies in mathematics education.