- Higher ed students using Pearson AI tools are 4x as likely
to engage in active and efficient studying
- More students report AI is helping them get better grades
and study more efficiently
- 77% of faculty envision using AI to enhance teaching
methods, including AI-based tutoring and instructional
content
HOBOKEN,
N.J., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As AI
profoundly impacted education in 2024, Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L)
today released new insights from students and educators. The data
reveals that US college students have an increasingly positive
perception of AI and are applying it to study more actively and
efficiently, while educators see new opportunities to enhance
instruction.
Pearson, in partnership with Morning Consult,
conducted its third consecutive semester surveying US college
students to track their evolving use and perception of AI. The
survey of more than 1,000 students shows an 11-percentage-point
increase in students reporting that AI has helped them get better
grades and study more efficiently.
Pearson user data shows AI tools promote
active and efficient studying
This fall, Pearson learning science researchers
analyzed student study behavior in eTextbooks with embedded AI
study tools from fall '23 through spring '24. The analysis showed
many students advancing from passive to active study, which fosters
better retention of information and is associated with a deeper
understanding of concepts. Active study behaviors include
notetaking, self-testing and spaced practice, rather than behaviors
like memorization and cramming, which are characteristic of passive
studying.
Key insights from the fall 2024 usage trends
include:
- More Active Studying: Students using AI study tools were
4x as likely to remain or become active, efficient studiers
compared to those who did not use the AI study tools.
- Advanced Learning: 38% of student inputs to the AI
explain study tool in Campbell Biology show students engaging at a
higher level of cognitive complexity, such as applying, analyzing
or evaluating information.
- Higher-Order and Critical Thinking: 25% of student
inputs to the AI explain study tool in Campbell Biology
specifically involved analysis or evaluation associated with
critical thinking skills.
In addition, Pearson usage data shows students
who used AI-generated flashcards in their eTextbook were nearly
three times more likely to return and practice than students
without AI-generated flashcards, indicating high engagement.
In Pearson's MyLab and Mastering study platform,
AI sessions increased 95% from fall 2023 to fall 2024, indicating
that students are more comfortable receiving step-by-step guidance
to help them solve the questions they answered incorrectly.
"This data underscores the importance of active
learning, and the role AI can play in enhancing student
engagement," said Emily Lai, vice
president of learning impact measurement. "We employ learning
science principles to create features that promote active learning
to help students succeed and develop skills for their academic and
professional lives. We are excited to see AI making quality
learning easier for today's busy students."
Faculty see opportunity for AI
implementation
Higher education faculty are increasingly seeing
the potential of AI in the classroom. According to a Pearson survey
conducted with Intertwine Insights, 77% of nearly 3,500 US faculty
members envision using AI to enhance their teaching methods.
Top ways faculty are interested in using AI:
- Generating additional examples and sourcing materials to
enrich lessons (41%).
- Providing AI-based tutoring services to assist students with
challenging concepts (40%).
- Developing instructional content to make lesson planning more
efficient (39%).
- Creating AI-generated study tools such as outlines, flashcards,
practice tests and study guides (35%).
This growing interest in AI by faculty
complements the positive student data, highlighting a broader trend
of AI integration in education.
More than two million US higher education
students currently have access to AI study tools in more than 100
MyLab and Mastering titles and nearly 350 eTextbook titles, with
many titles featuring AI in global editions. Thousands of US
educators also have access to AI instructor tools in nearly 60
MyLab and Mastering titles that allow them to efficiently create
customized assignments for their students. The availability of
these features to students and educators marks Pearson's commitment
to learning experiences with AI features for studying, learning and
instruction.
Pearson's application of generative AI is part of
a product development process that is driven by learning science
and subject matter experts. With more than 80% of its products now
digital or digitally enabled, Pearson is committed to the
responsible application of AI to enhance learning experiences.
To learn more, read the Pearson 2024 End of Year
AI Report for Higher Education.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life
they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning
opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our
c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and
enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We
are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in
nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments,
qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do.
It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
Media Contact:
Sami Miller,
Sami.Miller@Pearson.com
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SOURCE Pearson