From Pymnts · PYMNTS · · 1m 10s
AI May Be Classroom’s Unlikely Ally
AI tutors boost learning gains and student engagement over traditional classrooms.
In brief
AI tutors boost learning gains and student engagement over traditional classrooms. Harvard and MIT study shows AI tutors produce more than double learning gains compared to active learning classrooms, with students reporting higher engagement. Originally reported by Pymnts.
AI Tutors Outperform Classrooms
A Harvard and MIT randomized controlled trial found students using an AI tutor produced more than double the learning gains of students in a best-practice active learning classroom.
Students Report Higher Engagement
Students using the AI tutor also reported feeling more engaged and motivated compared to traditional active learning classes.
PS2 Pal Delivers Results
The AI tutor PS2 Pal outperformed best practice active learning classrooms by providing structured practice, timely feedback, and self-paced learning.
Educators as Co-Designers
Brookings found that when educators co-design AI tools from the start, the results shift from passive answer delivery to agentic teaching that builds critical skills.
Real-World Applications
Junior Achievement programs use AI agents to give students real-time feedback on pitching products to investors before presenting to actual business leaders.
Personalized Learning at Scale
Districts deploying AI for personalized instruction and early attendance intervention are getting ahead of the learning crisis rather than reacting to it.
The main idea
Harvard and MIT study shows AI tutors produce more than double learning gains compared to active learning classrooms, with students reporting higher engagement.
