AI tutoring outperforms in-class active learning
A 2025 randomized crossover study in introductory college physics reporting higher short-term learning gains and engagement with a carefully scaffolded AI tutor.
Also known as Kestin et al. 2025 AI tutor RCT
This crossover RCT reports larger short-term learning gains, less time on task, and stronger engagement for students using a highly structured AI tutor than for the comparison active-learning lessons.
The tutor included expert-crafted content, scaffolding, prompts, and pedagogical constraints. The authors explicitly caution against assuming the result generalizes to every context or that generic chatbots can replace instruction.