mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

MazeMate: An LLM-Powered Chatbot to Support Computational Thinking in Gamified Programming Learning

arXiv 2511.03727 ↗First posted 24 Sep 2025cs.HC cs.AIcited by 0

On the map: LLM reasoning → Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation

Abstract (arXiv)

Computational Thinking (CT) is a foundational problem-solving skill, and gamified programming environments are a widely adopted approach to cultivating it. While large language models (LLMs) provide on-demand programming support, current applications rarely foster CT development. We present MazeMate, an LLM-powered chatbot embedded in a 3D Maze programming game, designed to deliver adaptive, context-sensitive scaffolds aligned with CT processes in maze solving and maze design. We report on the first classroom implementation with 247 undergraduates. Students rated MazeMate as moderately helpful, with higher perceived usefulness for maze solving than for maze design. Thematic analysis confirmed support for CT processes such as decomposition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking, while also revealing limitations in supporting maze design, including mismatched suggestions and fabricated algorithmic solutions. These findings demonstrate the potential of LLM-based scaffolding to support CT and underscore directions for design refinement to enhance MazeMate usability in authentic classrooms.

Key facts. No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026). Placed in Reasoning benchmarks and evaluation, one of 17 directions in LLM reasoning. Builds on 3 of its 49 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 24 Sep 2025.

Builds on

3 of 49 references.

References · 3

  1. 2025LLM Agents for Education: Advances and Applicationscited by 59
  2. 2024A Survey on Large Language Model Hallucination via a Creativity Perspectivecited by 38
  3. 2024Divergent Creativity in Humans and Large Language Modelscited by 31

Built on by

Not cited yet.

Similar, not cited

Close in wording, no citation either way

  1. 2023ChatLogo: A Large Language Model-Driven Hybrid Natural-Programming Language Interface for Agent-based Modeling and Programming
  2. 2026Educating future engineers about LLMs: A scalable workshop ↗
  3. 2026Modularizing Educational LLM-Agency for Fostering Responsible Learning Assistance
  4. 2023Teach AI How to Code: Using Large Language Models as Teachable Agents for Programming Education
  5. 2026A Theory-Guided LLM Pedagogical Agent for STEM+C Scaffolding Without Over-Reliance
  6. 2026DuoMem: Towards Capable On-Device Memory Agents via Dual-Space Distillation
  7. 2025A Theory of Adaptive Scaffolding for LLM-Based Pedagogical Agents
  8. 2024LLMs as Method Actors: A Model for Prompt Engineering and Architecture