Critical thinking of future mathematics teachers in interaction with artificial intelligence when solving mathematical problems

Abstract

In the context of the digitalization of education, special attention is given to identifying the role of interactive AI tools in developing students' analytical skills and their ability to critically evaluate obtained results. The aim of this study is to identify the features of activating critical thinking among future mathematics teachers in the process of interacting with the Mathos AI chatbot while solving mathematical problems. The research methods include student surveys, analysis of scientific sources, and experimental use of the Mathos AI chatbot. The conducted survey allowed for an assessment of the peculiarities of students' use of artificial intelligence for educational purposes, their level of trust in the obtained results, and the impact of digital tools on the comprehension of learning material. The study also analyzed students' interaction with the Mathos AI chatbot while solving mathematical problems with different levels of critical thinking engagement. The study results showed that 97.6% of surveyed students actively use AI tools to find solutions to mathematical problems, employing them as a means for obtaining answers, verifying the correctness of solutions, and refining intermediate results. However, the level of their analytical interaction with artificial intelligence varies significantly, ranging from deep critical analysis to mechanical acceptance of obtained answers without additional verification. The research also revealed that using Mathos AI as a support tool in solving mathematical problems is effective only when critical thinking procedures are actively engaged. Students need not only to select an appropriate solution method but also to assess its relevance, verify the validity of each step, and critically analyze the correctness of the final result. The conclusions confirm that integrating AI into the educational process opens new opportunities for developing critical thinking among future mathematics teachers. For effective learning, it is necessary to cultivate a culture of conscious AI usage, which involves adjusting pedagogical approaches and combining traditional methods with innovative technological solutions.