👩🏿‍💻 AI-based teaching delivered two years of learning in six weeks

• A pilot project in Nigeria showed that students who used AI as a virtual teacher performed significantly better in English, AI knowledge and digital skills.
• Students who participated in the program also performed better on their regular tests in other subjects not included in the AI teaching.
• After six weeks of AI teaching, student improvement equated to two years of normal learning, outperforming 80 percent of other educational interventions in developing countries.

Nigerian students showed strong development with AI as teacher

A new World Bank study shows that using AI as a virtual teacher delivered extensive results for students in Benin City, Nigeria. During six weeks between June and July 2024, students from Edo Boys High School participated in an after-school program where AI was used as teaching support.

Results from the randomized evaluation showed that students who participated in the program performed significantly better than other students in all tested areas. Besides English, which was the program's main focus, their knowledge in AI and digital skills also improved.

The study also showed that students performed better on their regular tests in other subjects not included in the AI teaching. This indicates that students were able to use their new skills to learn other subjects independently.

Girls showed greatest progress

The program delivered positive results for all participants, regardless of previous performance level. Girls, who previously performed lower than boys, showed particularly large progress during the program.

The evaluation showed a clear connection between attendance and learning. Despite challenges such as flooding during the rainy season and teacher conflicts, each extra day of attendance showed significant improvements in learning outcomes. The effect did not decrease during the program, suggesting that a longer program could deliver even better results.

Comparison with other educational interventions

After six weeks, student improvement equated to approximately two years of normal learning. Compared to other educational interventions in developing countries, this program performed better than 80 percent of previously studied methods, including established strategies like structured pedagogy.

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