International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

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

Actor or Executor? How Does Generative Ai Reshape Student Agency in Mathematics

Federica Troilo, Eleonora Faggiano, Melih Turgut

University of Bari Aldo Moro

49th Annual Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME 2026Helsinki27 July 2026 - 1 August 2026pp. 1475–1482ISSN 2790-36482026Scopus conference code 336559
⬇ Download PDF

Abstract

Student agency has become a central concept in contemporary mathematics education. This study examines how interaction with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) reshapes undergraduate students’ agency, particularly concerning perception of themselves as ‘actors’ or ‘executors’ in their learning process. Using a mixed-methods approach, the analysis revealed different individual trajectories, ranging from an increased sense of active involvement to reliance on GenAI for decision-making, when tasks become complex. The findings suggests that GenAI does not influence agency unilaterally but rather acts as a resource whose outcomes depend on how students choose to engage with the tool.

Keywords

Student AgencyGenerative Artificial IntelligenceUndergraduated mathematics students

Recommended citation

Troilo, F., Faggiano, E., & Turgut, M. (2026). Actor or Executor? How Does Generative Ai Reshape Student Agency in Mathematics. 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. 1475–1482). Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME). ISSN 2790-3648.

← All PME 49 Research Reports