Measuring the impact of learning with AI in Sierra Leone and beyond
Google DeepMind
A trial in Sierra Leone found that students using Google's Gemini-powered Guided Learning tool alongside teacher instruction improved their math scores by 0.258 standard deviations compared to a control group, equivalent to 1.2 to 1.7 years of typical learning progress over eight weeks. Students in classrooms where teachers integrated the tool into roughly half their lessons saw even larger gains of 1.8 to 2.5 years of progress, with 69% meeting or exceeding usage targets and skill-building queries rising from 68% to 90% across the trial period. The results suggest AI can extend teacher capacity when designed to encourage problem-solving over direct answers, though the largest benefits accrued to students who already had stronger foundational skills.
Why it matters
Results from a randomized controlled trial show the potential of Gemini’s Guided Learning feature to boost engagement and accelerate learning.
