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Three roles of AI in generative learning: Generation Partner, Generation Substitute, Generation Catalyst

Research Method · All research methods
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Description

A typology of three roles AI can occupy relative to learners' generative processes. Partner and Substitute occupy the poles of a scaffolding–substitution continuum, while Catalyst is defined functionally: "When AI serves as a Generation Catalyst, it neither performs the learner's generative work, as in the Substitute role, nor supports the learner in performing it, as in the Partner role. It supplies an output that becomes the object of further generative work by the learner". Roles are properties of episodes, not tools, determined by tool design, task design, learner orientation, and teacher mediation.

Accounts

  • Three roles of AI in generative learning: Generation Partner, Generation Substitute, Generation Catalyst: A typology of three roles AI can occupy relative to learners' generative processes. Partner and Substitute occupy the poles of a scaffolding–substitution continuum, while Catalyst is defined functionally: "When AI serves as a Generation Catalyst, it neither performs the learner's generative work, as in the Substitute role, nor supports the learner in performing it, as in the Partner role. It supplies an output that becomes the object of further generative work by the learner". Roles are properties of episodes, not tools, determined by tool design, task design, learner orientation, and teacher mediation. (Hoyun Cho (2026))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Hoyun Cho. (2026). Relocating the Locus of Generation: The AI-GLM Framework for Generative Learning in AI-Mediated Mathematics Education. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-026-10210-y
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id three-roles-of-ai-in-generative-learning-generation-partner-generation-substitute-generati
title Three roles of AI in generative learning: Generation Partner, Generation Substitute, Generation Catalyst
description A typology of three roles AI can occupy relative to learners' generative processes.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-19
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