This post was contributed by Larissa Shatalova, Lane Community College.
This summer and fall, I’ve been piloting a new approach to teaching Math in Society (Math 105Z) that blends traditional instruction with carefully structured AI support. The method, called Layered Active Integration (LAI), was developed to complement the new edition of the Math in Society textbook and to help non-STEM students engage more deeply with its concepts through multisensory materials, guided inquiry, and opportunities for reflection.
Our early results are promising. Students report greater confidence with challenging topics like logic, financial literacy, and voting theory. Many of these design choices are paired with a built-in AI layer, which students access through guided prompts that encourage question-asking, sense-making, and productive struggle. Rather than replacing instructor guidance, the AI companion helps students articulate their reasoning and build confidence with unfamiliar concepts — a key goal of LAI.
I’ll be sharing preliminary findings and sample materials at the upcoming International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. As part of this work, we are also beginning to explore how the LAI model can support students in Math 105A, the corequisite course for Math in Society, where structured guidance and metacognitive strategies are especially important.
My presentation highlights how intentional design choices — slide-level AI prompts, reflective “Think First, Peek Later” moments, and a four-layer learning model — can enrich the textbook experience and improve student engagement across online, hybrid, and in-person formats.
I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with colleagues across Oregon and beyond as we continue to explore what thoughtful, human-centered AI integration can look like in the math classroom.
