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Partnering with AI to create joy-centered personalized learning in a post-pandemic world
1Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|July 30, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a method for using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance personalized learning in STEM classrooms. It helps instructors foster student mattering, resilience, and agency, making learning more joyful and manageable.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Educational Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Background:
- STEM classrooms face challenges due to diverse student preparation and well-being, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly accessible, raising questions about their effective and responsible use in higher education.
- Personalized learning is a proposed solution but is difficult to implement at scale without increasing instructor workload.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a practical approach for integrating AI, specifically large language models (LLMs), into STEM classrooms.
- To support joy-centered, personalized learning by leveraging AI as a pedagogical partner.
- To provide instructors with structured prompts and AI literacy guidance for fostering student mattering, resilience, and agency.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing principles of joy-centered pedagogy to frame LLM use.
- Developing structured prompts based on three themes: normalizing uncertainty, promoting growth over perfection, and flattening classroom hierarchy.
- Implementing and formalizing instructional strategies in undergraduate biology courses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrates how AI can extend personalized learning opportunities at scale.
- Offers a practical framework for instructors to partner with LLMs.
- Provides student-ready prompts and AI literacy guidance for course integration.
Conclusions:
- AI can be a valuable pedagogical partner in supporting diverse learners in STEM.
- This approach helps preserve instructor bandwidth while enhancing student learning experiences.
- The method promotes joy-centered learning, fostering self-directed learning and growth-oriented revision.
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