International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1

Learning by Prompting as an Extension of Learning by Making in Turtle Geometry Programming

Mario Lepore, Roberto Capone, Eleonora Faggiano

University of Salerno

49th Annual Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME 2026Helsinki27 July 2026 - 1 August 2026pp. 939–946ISSN 2790-36482026Scopus conference code 336559
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Abstract

Generative AI is increasingly entering mathematics classrooms, yet it may shift students’ work toward uncritical acceptance of generated outputs. To counter this risk, we analyse how learning by prompting can extend constructionist learning by making, supporting mathematical thinking within programming activities. We report a classroom‑based qualitative case study in an Italian scientific high school where small groups worked on a Python Turtle geometry task with a customised GenAI assistant. We trace how prompts evolved from vague requests to explicit mathematical specifications across prompt–debug–refine cycles. Results show that mismatches between intended and produced outputs triggered revisions that made constraints more explicit and supported decomposition of the geometric structure.

Keywords

Computational thinkinggenerative AIconstructionismproblem based learning

Recommended citation

Lepore, M., Capone, R., & Faggiano, E. (2026). Learning by Prompting as an Extension of Learning by Making in Turtle Geometry Programming. In Krzywacki H., Hähkiöniemi M., Haataja E., Hannula M.S., Hästö P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Volume 1 (pp. 939–946). Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME). ISSN 2790-3648.

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