A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education

Abstract This systematic review explores the burgeoning intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and self-regulated learning (SRL) in higher education. Aiming to synthesize empirical studies, we employed a qualitative approach to scrutinize AI’s role in supporting SRL processes. Thr...

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Main Authors: Min Lan, Xiaofeng Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:npj Science of Learning
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00319-0
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author Min Lan
Xiaofeng Zhou
author_facet Min Lan
Xiaofeng Zhou
author_sort Min Lan
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This systematic review explores the burgeoning intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and self-regulated learning (SRL) in higher education. Aiming to synthesize empirical studies, we employed a qualitative approach to scrutinize AI’s role in supporting SRL processes. Through a meticulous selection process adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we identified 14 distinct studies that leveraged AI applications, including chatbots, adaptive feedback systems, serious games, and e-textbooks, to support student autonomy. Our findings reveal a nuanced landscape where AI demonstrates potential in facilitating SRL’s forethought, performance, and reflection phases, yet also highlights whether the agency is human-centered or AI-centered leading to variations in the SRL model. This review underscores the imperative for balanced AI integration, ensuring technological advantages are harnessed without undermining student self-efficacy. The implications suggest a future where AI is a thoughtfully woven thread in the SRL fabric of higher education, calling for further research to optimize this synergy.
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spelling doaj-art-43b7c84ac83b413c93eb86b18b5928db2025-08-20T01:47:33ZengNature Portfolionpj Science of Learning2056-79362025-05-0110111610.1038/s41539-025-00319-0A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher educationMin Lan0Xiaofeng Zhou1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application, Zhejiang Normal UniversityCollege of Education, Zhejiang Normal UniversityAbstract This systematic review explores the burgeoning intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and self-regulated learning (SRL) in higher education. Aiming to synthesize empirical studies, we employed a qualitative approach to scrutinize AI’s role in supporting SRL processes. Through a meticulous selection process adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we identified 14 distinct studies that leveraged AI applications, including chatbots, adaptive feedback systems, serious games, and e-textbooks, to support student autonomy. Our findings reveal a nuanced landscape where AI demonstrates potential in facilitating SRL’s forethought, performance, and reflection phases, yet also highlights whether the agency is human-centered or AI-centered leading to variations in the SRL model. This review underscores the imperative for balanced AI integration, ensuring technological advantages are harnessed without undermining student self-efficacy. The implications suggest a future where AI is a thoughtfully woven thread in the SRL fabric of higher education, calling for further research to optimize this synergy.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00319-0
spellingShingle Min Lan
Xiaofeng Zhou
A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
npj Science of Learning
title A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
title_full A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
title_fullStr A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
title_full_unstemmed A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
title_short A qualitative systematic review on AI empowered self-regulated learning in higher education
title_sort qualitative systematic review on ai empowered self regulated learning in higher education
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00319-0
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