AI is not the solution for better grades, but fuels motivation to study

3 February 2026

When people talk about artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the conversation often turns into fear: does ChatGPT take over the basic skills of a student? Research by Nanda Jafarian suggests otherwise: in a controlled trial, students who used AI-generated audio modules showed higher motivation and greater engagement with their textbooks. Increased reading engagement was associated with higher academic achievement.

Nanda Jafarian, a PhD candidate in Developmental Psychology, studied whether AI can support students while studying. Students in a standard first-year course were split into two groups. Everyone followed the same course requirements, including weekly reading. The intervention group additionally received AI-assisted audio modules, the control group did not.

You can start studying anywhere. In public transport, while working out in the gym or doing chores around the house Nanda Jafarian

Each AI-assisted module focused on the most important learning words and takeaways. They also offered short explanatory sections (including metaphors for difficult concepts), and added self-check questions at the end. One AI module took about 15 minutes to listen.

The results? The AI audio modules did not improve the grades directly. However, the modules increased motivation among students who used them. The students within the intervention group spent 60% more time reading the textbook. The increase of roughly 35 hours in engagement with the course materials related to better grades.

Lowering the barrier

he audio modules were not used a shortcut by students, but more like stimulator: they lowered the barrier to start studying.

Jafarian explains: ‘With these modules, you can start studying anywhere. In public transport, while working out in the gym or doing chores around the house.’

Listening to the modules already makes you think about the study concepts. The cognitive load is lower, which makes it easier to start reading the book. You are primed to engage with your study material.’

Promising for students with ADHD symptoms

The second finding in this study is promising for students with ADHD symptoms. In general, higher ADHD symptoms are associated with lower grades. Among students who listened more to the AI audio modules, there was no difference between students with ADHD symptoms and the other students. ‘For students that have more issues engaging with their study materials, the audio modules created an easier pathway creating motivation to study’, Jafarian adds.

Student learning in the University Library. (photo: Marion Koopmans).

AI chatbots as study support

Besides developing audio modules, Jafarian has been working on other helpful study tools powered by artificial intelligence. ‘In collaboration with UvA’s Teaching & Learning Centre & Amsterdam University College, we have been looking into AI chatbots for specific courses. The chatbot contains study material of the course, so students can organize and test their skills this way.’

Tips to study with AI

To improve studying with AI yourself, Jafarian provides the following tips:

You can use AI:

For creating quiz questions, based on the study material
To generate a conceptual map or summary of the content
As an interactive tutor: Having conversations and asking questions regarding the exam

With all of these ways, you will engage more deeply with your study material, which helps you study more effectively Nanda Jafarian

The risks of using AI for studying

Are there any risks when asking ChatGPT for answers? ‘First of all, the quality of the output can differ a lot’, Jafarian begins. ‘But the big concern is: “Is AI going to make you passive?”. If the learning objective is completing a task, AI can help you do that. But by doing that, it skips the basic steps that you’re supposed to learn yourself.’

AI doesn’t replace the textbook

Jafarian’s message is clear: AI does not replace learning. Instead, it can help students start studying more easily. Sometimes, that first step makes all the difference.