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A New Chapter for Language Models, Latest Technology in the Classroom.
Wenxin Yiyan Stimulates Interest, Students Think More Deeply.
Previously, I used “Wenxin Yiyan” to teach a math class to second graders, and when I posted it on social media, it surprisingly sparked interest among many teachers. Notably, Chen Hongjie, the deputy editor of “Elementary Mathematics Teacher”, shared my article in his circle and made the following comment:
Principal Miao Jianping from Suzhou, who teaches math, made an attempt. This attempt is meaningful! Short videos, live streaming, internet celebrities are all products of new media; how to use tools and media has become an important skill (for social life and individual development) and quality (“not to do harm” in usage). AI can naturally be seen as a type of medium, and it may be the most important in the future. Allowing children to experience AI is just the beginning, and there are various possibilities later, such as cultivating critical thinking.(As shown in the screenshot below)
After thanking Teacher Chen for his sharing, he followed up with a very pertinent suggestion:
Replying to Miao Jianping: An idea: Could there be some questions for students to answer and write down; then AI answers, students compare and analyze the human and machine outputs; if possible, compare different AI responses to the same question—students can understand AI through its performance. Another layer is of course the discussion on ethical usage, for example, is it okay to use it for homework? (As shown in the screenshot below)
Based on Teacher Chen’s suggestion, I selected the sixth grade at Kuatang Experimental Primary School and conducted another teaching attempt using the tool “Wenxin Yiyan” on December 22.
In this sixth-grade teaching attempt, I divided it into several segments: learning the three key phrases for mastering math, initial understanding of AI (Wenxin Yiyan), learning to ask questions, comparing and analyzing, and deepening discussions, allowing both teachers and students to gain unique teaching and learning experiences.
Here, I present the classroom transcript, hoping more teachers will join the discussion group to do what should be done for “the future has come.”
(1) Learning to Use “Learning Notes” and “Three Key Phrases for Mastering Math”
Teacher: Students, I just handed out a piece of paper to each of you, which can be a unique sheet. What did you see?
Student: I saw the three key phrases for mastering math. (Guide the students to read aloud: Don’t overlook difficult problems, find patterns through examples, review and reflect regularly.)
Teacher: What do these three phrases mean?
Student: I think “not overlooking difficult problems” means that during math learning, we must not easily overlook the problems we don’t understand and must explore deeply until we understand them.
Student: “Finding patterns through examples” means that when learning math, we should not be satisfied with solving just one problem but should look for more patterns through it to solve a class of problems.
Student: “Reviewing and reflecting regularly” means that during math learning, we should often review our learning process, reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings, and summarize experiences and methods promptly to improve our math skills.
Teacher: Your understanding of these three phrases is profound. In math learning, we should have the spirit of “not overlooking difficult problems,” bravely explore the essence of problems; learn to “find patterns through examples,” mastering more problem-solving techniques through analogy and induction; and at the same time, we should develop the habit of “reviewing and reflecting regularly,” constantly reflecting on our learning process and summarizing experiences and lessons. Only in this way can we truly master math.
Student: I read a saying from Confucius: “Learning without thinking is labor lost; thinking without learning is perilous.”
Teacher: Who can explain the meaning of this saying?
Student: The meaning of this saying is that if you only learn without thinking, you will feel confused and gain nothing; if you only think without learning, you will be puzzled and at a loss.
Teacher: Yes, this saying reminds us that learning and thinking complement each other and cannot neglect one. Only by combining learning and thinking can we truly understand the knowledge we learn and gain something.
(2) Initial Understanding of AI Language Models
Teacher: Students, today we are going to discuss an important topic, which is how to use AI language models reasonably to help us learn math. What do you know about language models? (Writing on the board: AI Helps Me Learn Math)
Student: I know Wenxin Yiyan.
Teacher: Very good, Wenxin Yiyan is an AI language model launched by Baidu that can help us with language understanding and generation. Besides Wenxin Yiyan, what other AI language models do you know?
Student: There is also GPT-4.
Teacher: Correct, GPT-4 is a very powerful language model launched by OpenAI, which can assist us in various learning and creation tasks. Others include iFLYTEK Spark, etc. (Writing on the board) Now, specifically for math learning, how can we use these language models?
Student: We can let them help us solve math problems.
Teacher: Yes, that’s a very good application.AI language models can quickly provide answers to math problems and also help us understand the problem-solving ideas. Besides this, do you have any other thoughts?
Student: We can also use them to help us learn math.
Teacher: Just now, students have gained a certain understanding of AI language models, as they can help us solve many problems. So, how should we use AI language models correctly?
(3) Questioning: How to Revise Math (Comparison of Student Responses and Wenxin Yiyan’s Answers)
Teacher: Now I will open the voice feature of Wenxin Yiyan on my phone and ask “Wenxin Yiyan” a question to see how she responds. There are several virtual characters in Wenxin Yiyan, and the one conversing with me is named Yiyi. But before asking Yiyi this question, I want to ask everyone how you would respond.
Teacher: My question is: How should sixth graders revise math? I will give everyone 2 minutes to answer, write down as many points as you can think of in the blank space of the “Learning Notes” I just handed out.
Teacher: Two minutes are up. Now let’s ask Yiyi to answer and see how her answer compares to our thoughts. Please focus on listening. Now I will open my phone and start the dialogue; please take notes on Wenxin Yiyan’s answers.
Teacher: (Speaking to Yiyi on the phone), Hello, I am a sixth-grade math teacher, and we are having a math class. How should sixth-grade students revise math?
Wow, math class is so interesting! Sixth-grade math indeed needs to be reviewed well, as this is a crucial period for laying the foundation for future math learning.
Organizing knowledge points is a very important first step, just like building a house requires a solid foundation first. Master every math concept, formula, and theorem so that you can handle problems with ease.
Doing more practice is also key! Math is a subject that requires continuous practice, just like playing an instrument. Through extensive practice, you can cultivate mathematical thinking and improve problem-solving speed and accuracy.
Analyzing mistakes is a smart approach. Collect the problems you got wrong and analyze them carefully to find out the reasons for the mistakes so that you can avoid falling into the same trap twice.
Finally, group discussions can help each other and make progress together. Everyone can discuss problem-solving methods and share learning insights, which can stimulate learning enthusiasm and improve learning efficiency.
This is Yiyi’s four-step strategy! You can give it a try; I hope it helps your students!
(Below is a screenshot from the phone, you can refer to it)
Teacher: Did everyone hear clearly? Who can tell me what points Yiyi gave us for revision strategies?
Student: I noted down four strategies. One is to organize knowledge points, two is to do more practice, three is to analyze mistakes, and four is group discussions.
Teacher: So, who can say, comparing with what you wrote, is there anything Yiyi didn’t mention that you thought of?
Student (a girl eagerly raises her hand): Teacher, I thought of one point that she seems to have missed, which is that we should also make good math notes.
Teacher: Very good! Now please come to the front and converse with Yiyi, presenting your suggestion. (The girl spoke into the phone microphone…)
No problem! Making good math notes is a very important part of learning. Just like Yiyi loves to draw, recording math knowledge and problem-solving methods can make it easier for later review and consolidation.
Math notes can include key points, difficulties, thought processes for example problems, analyses of mistakes, etc. This way, you can quickly review and revise math knowledge by flipping through your notes before exams or after class.
At the same time, making good math notes can also cultivate your ability to summarize and generalize, which will be very helpful for your future learning and work!
So, you must encourage students to make good math notes, enabling them to learn math more smoothly!
(Below is a screenshot of the answers, you can refer to it)
Teacher: Now compare your answer with Wenxin Yiyan’s. What do you think of Yiyi’s answer?
Student: By comparing, I found that Wenxin Yiyan’s answer is very comprehensive and detailed. It not only mentioned organizing knowledge points, doing more practice, analyzing mistakes, and group discussions as important revision strategies.
Student: Later, my classmate Huang XX mentioned the importance of making good math notes, which Wenxin Yiyan also recognized, so Yiyi is a learning tool that is good at learning and continuously improving.
Student: I feel that the suggestion I made is very practical and helpful for sixth graders revising math.
Student: In contrast, I feel that my answer is still not as good as the AI’s response. My answer might focus more on personal learning experiences and insights, while Wenxin Yiyan’s response feels more like that of an experienced teacher.
Student: Thank you Wenxin Yiyan for having more targeted and guiding significance.
Student: Wenxin Yiyan is amazing! It has strong learning potential and can incorporate what it hasn’t mentioned based on others’ prompts, which shows it is very open-minded.
Student: I would give Wenxin Yiyan’s answer an “excellent” grade; it is indeed a good learning tool.
Student: From now on, I will try to use it more to help with better math revision and also try it for learning language or other subjects.
Teacher: Students’ answers are fantastic! They have said everything I wanted to say.
(4) Analysis: If Difficult Problems Are Solved by Machines, What Should We Do?
Student: I just thought of another question. If I have a difficult problem that I can’t solve, can I ask Yiyi?
Teacher: Of course you can.
(Everyone is discussing, and it seems someone is whispering, “Great, if I can’t do a problem, I can just ask Yiyi” “This is so convenient”)
Student: Teacher, if these difficult problems are all solved by Wenxin Yiyan, will we not need to think in the future?
Teacher: This question is very valuable; what do you all think? (I threw this valuable question to everyone)
Student: I think we should restrain our dependence on it. When we encounter problems we don’t understand, we should think first; if we really can’t, then we can use AI’s answers to help us understand.
Teacher: Very good! This student answered very well; is there anyone who disagrees with what he said?
Student: I think we shouldn’t rely on it completely.
Student: What he said is that we should try not to use it all the time. For example, if we just use it to solve difficult problems, after solving them, I still need to think and understand what the reasoning means; that is the best way to learn.
Student: I want to use it at set times.
Teacher: You said we can use it at set times; using it at set times means we can’t use it all the time. Do you agree with his viewpoint?
Student: Yes! (Many people agree)
Teacher: Don’t just agree with someone’s viewpoint; I don’t quite agree. (At this moment, a girl raised her hand) You seem to disagree with the boy’s statement; please share your thoughts.
Student: I think using it at set times is not feasible. Because sometimes we can’t set a time for usage.
Student: I want to use it right now; how can I set a time?
Student: I can’t set a time; this isn’t playing a game.
Teacher: So, setting a time is not a good method. Now let’s listen to how Wenxin Yiyan would respond.
(Pointing to this student to converse with Wenxin Yiyan)
Student asks: I feel that if I use Wenxin Yiyan to help me solve difficult problems, it will affect my learning; what should I do?
Your concern is very reasonable. Indeed, over-reliance on Wenxin Yiyan for answers may affect your thinking and learning. However, we can use some methods to balance this impact.
First, you can try to limit the frequency of using Wenxin Yiyan. Only use it when you encounter difficult problems or need inspiration, rather than relying on it for every issue.
Second, you can try to use your own thinking and problem-solving abilities. Although Wenxin Yiyan can provide answers, your own thinking and understanding are equally important. Solving problems through your own efforts can deepen your understanding and memory of knowledge.
Finally, you can discuss problems with your teacher or classmates. Communicating your confusion and thoughts with them can help find answers together. This not only solves problems but also enhances your communication and collaboration skills.
Remember, learning is a process, not just about getting answers. Try to maintain initiative and independence in learning while using Wenxin Yiyan as an auxiliary tool rather than relying on it completely.
Teacher: Yesterday it snowed in Suzhou; if today the language teacher assigned a composition topic “Snow in the Campus,” and I have already written this composition using Wenxin Yiyan, what should I do? Should I use it or not?
Student: I want to rely on my own ideas to write a piece and borrow some sentences and phrases from it.
Teacher: Good, can we borrow from it?
Student (in unison): Yes.
Teacher: Very good, this is called using it for my own purposes. I want to write what I want to write, not just copy it all.
(Students write their insights in their notebooks)
Student: AI language models are just tools.
Student: Read more extracurricular books, and spend less time online, accumulate some knowledge, and not rely too much on tools.
(5) Discussion: In the Age of Artificial Intelligence, What Skills Are Most Important to Improve?
Teacher: Finally, let’s discuss together, what skills are most important in this age of artificial intelligence? This girl, Xiao Huang, please speak.
Student: Self-learning ability is the most important.
Teacher: Very good, let’s applaud. She said self-learning ability, which means she has understood my point of “using it for my own purposes.” Now, what else is very important? You speak.
Student: Thinking ability is the most important.
Teacher: What is the first sentence of the three key phrases for mastering math on the blackboard?
Student: Don’t overlook difficult problems.
Teacher: What ability is that?
Student: Questioning ability.
Teacher: Yes, after thinking, you need to know how to ask questions. If you can’t ask questions, you won’t know what is useful to you; then it is of no use. Think about it…
Student: I understand; it is self-discipline ability.
Teacher: Excellent! Let’s applaud. You need to know when to use it and when not to use it; that is self-discipline. Is there anything else?
Student: Practical ability. Language models do not have practical ability.
Student: We can also say it is the ability to practice.
Teacher: Very good! Students, please write down everything we just mentioned.
(Students organize their notes)
Teacher: This class has allowed us to spend a pleasant time together. I hope that after you go back, you will continue to try using Wenxin Yiyan and other language models to see what new insights you gain from practice, and then we can exchange ideas with the teachers again, okay?
3. Post-Teaching Reflection
In this lesson, I tried a new teaching method by using “Learning Notes” and “Three Key Phrases for Mastering Math” to motivate students to learn independently. By encouraging them to self-interpret and think, I successfully stimulated their interest and initiative in math. At the same time, I introduced the concept of AI language models, allowing students to understand their potential and value in math learning.
When explaining AI language models, I could clearly feel the students’ curiosity and interest. I realized that this is an important opportunity to cultivate their technological literacy and expose them to new technologies. Through interaction with Wenxin Yiyan, students gained a more intuitive understanding of the applications and prospects of AI in math learning, sparking their infinite imagination about future technology.
In this teaching session, I attempted to guide students to compare their answers with Wenxin Yiyan’s, encouraging them to think deeply about math problems. From the students’ responses, they recognized Wenxin Yiyan’s comprehensive and detailed answers and found inspiration from them. At the same time, during the discussion, students actively shared their viewpoints and insights, providing valuable suggestions for the use of Wenxin Yiyan.
However, there are still areas for improvement in the teaching process. First, when discussing the skills needed in the age of artificial intelligence, I should focus more on guiding students to think about how to cultivate these skills. Additionally, regarding the use of Wenxin Yiyan, I need to guide students to think more comprehensively about how to balance it with other learning methods to promote their overall development.
Moreover, this teaching experience exposed some issues. The time arrangement was somewhat tight, leading to some students not being able to express their thoughts fully. In the introduction of AI language models, I should explain their working principles and application areas more deeply so that students can better understand their value.
This teaching experience deeply made me realize the mutual promotion of teaching and learning. As a teacher, I should continuously reflect and improve to better guide students in facing the future of the artificial intelligence era. At the same time, I also realize that students have the ability to think independently and should encourage them to think about problems from different angles and levels. In future teaching, I will pay more attention to cultivating students’ independent thinking abilities and innovative spirit to promote their overall development.
Language Models Open a New Chapter, Latest Technology Enters the Classroom.
Wenxin Yiyan Stimulates Interest, Students Think More Deeply.
New Teaching Methods Have Amazing Effects, Learning Notes Help Soar.
Comprehensive Development Cultivates Talent, Nurturing Innovation is the Direction.
