Harvard: Custom AI Physics Tutor Doubled Learning Gains in 49 Minutes

A Harvard study of 194 undergraduates found that a purpose-built AI physics tutor produced more than twice the learning gains of an active-learning classroom. Median post-test scores reached 4.5 versus 3.5, while median time on task fell to about 49 minutes from 60.

• 194 students in Harvard's Physical Sciences 2 took part in a randomized crossover design
• Median post-test: 4.5 with the AI tutor vs 3.5 in class, against a 2.75 pre-test median
• Median time on task: about 49 minutes with AI vs 60 minutes in the classroom
• Study covered two physics topics in one course, limiting broader conclusions