Enhancing self-directed learning with custom GPT AI facilitation among medical students: A randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Medical teacher 2024-10, p.1-8
• Main Authors: Shalong, Wang, Yi, Zuo, Bin, Zou, Ganglei, Liu, Jinyu, Zhou, Yanwen, Zheng, Zequn, Zhang, Lianwen, Yuan, Feng, Ren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0142-159X; 1466-187X; 1466-187X
• DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2024.2413023

This study aims to assess the impact of LearnGuide, a specialized ChatGPT tool designed to support self-directed learning among medical students. In this 14-week randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06276049), 103 medical students were assigned to either an intervention group, which received 12 weeks of problem-based training with LearnGuide support, or a control group, which received identical training without AI assistance. Primary and secondary outcomes, including Self-Directed Learning Scale scores at 6 and 12 weeks, Cornell Critical Thinking Test Level Z scores, and Global Flow Scores, were evaluated with a 14-week follow-up. Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical comparisons between the groups. At 6 weeks, the intervention group showed a marginally higher median Self-Directed Learning Scale score, which further improved by 12 weeks (4.15 [95% CI, 0.82 to 7.48];  = 0.01) and was sustained at the 14-week follow-up. Additionally, this group demonstrated notable improvements in the Cornell Critical Thinking Test Score at 12 weeks (7.11 [95% CI, 4.50 to 9.72];