Effective and Scalable Math Support: Evidence on the Impact of an AI- Tutor on Math Achievement in Ghana
Project Overview
The document explores the transformative role of generative AI in education, highlighting key applications and findings that underscore its potential to enhance learning outcomes. A notable example discussed is Rori, an AI-powered math tutor accessible through WhatsApp, which has demonstrated significant success in improving math performance among students in Ghana. The study revealed that students who utilized Rori experienced notable growth in their math scores compared to those in a control group, indicating that generative AI can serve as a cost-effective and scalable solution to address educational challenges, particularly in low-resource settings. This showcases how AI-driven tools can personalize learning, provide immediate feedback, and support students' academic development, ultimately suggesting a promising avenue for advancing education through technology. The findings advocate for the integration of AI in educational practices to foster improved academic performance and accessibility in diverse learning environments.
Key Applications
Rori - AI-powered math tutor on WhatsApp
Context: Educational intervention for students in grades 3-9 in Ghana
Implementation: Students in the treatment group used Rori for two 30-minute sessions weekly during study hall, while the control group continued regular math instruction.
Outcomes: Significant improvement in math growth scores for the treatment group, with an effect size of 0.36, equivalent to an additional year of learning.
Challenges: Dependence on mobile devices and low-bandwidth; potential for unobserved differences between treatment and control groups.
Implementation Barriers
Infrastructure Barrier
Limited access to personal computers and high-speed internet in low-resource settings.
Proposed Solutions: Utilizing mobile phones and low-bandwidth solutions, as demonstrated by Rori's implementation.
Operational Challenge
Need for teacher training and changes in school operations for effective implementation of educational interventions.
Proposed Solutions: Rori's design minimizes the need for extensive teacher training, making it easier to implement in schools.
Project Team
Owen Henkel
Researcher
Hannah Horne-Robinson
Researcher
Nessie Kozhakhmetova
Researcher
Amanda Lee
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Owen Henkel, Hannah Horne-Robinson, Nessie Kozhakhmetova, Amanda Lee
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai