Ed-Technical Is two years of learning possible in six weeks with AI?
Feb 10, 2025
Owen and Libby discuss a study revealing the power of Microsoft Copilot on student learning in Nigeria. In just six weeks, students reportedly achieved learning gains equivalent to almost two years. They delve into the implications of rapid learning claims and discuss how effect sizes can be misunderstood. The conversation also explores the cognitive limits of rapid knowledge acquisition, questioning the feasibility of such interventions and setting the stage for future educational research.
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Limitations of Learning Speed
- A recent World Bank study in Nigeria reported a large effect size for a six-week educational intervention using AI.
- However, Owen Henkel argues that learning two years' worth of material in six weeks is unlikely due to natural limits on human learning speed.
Interpreting Effect Sizes
- Effect sizes can be misleading when evaluating educational interventions.
- Claims of drastically accelerated learning (e.g., "10x faster") are often too good to be true due to inherent limits on human learning capacity.
Factors Affecting Learning Rate
- There's no single "max learning rate" applicable to all situations.
- Various factors like subject matter, age, and individual differences influence how quickly humans can learn.