The Learning Research Digest vol. 31
👋 Hello, fellow Learning Scientists!
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the Learning Research Digest.
This month, the research spotlight shines brightly on the evolution of AI-assisted instructional design, collaborative learning models, and the ethics of automation in education. As large language models, multi-agent systems, and analytics tools become embedded in our workflows, researchers are asking: What remains uniquely human in learning design? How do we scaffold ethical, transparent, and learner-centred design — not just faster processes?
The research we feature this month invites us to reflect deeply on these questions — and offers practical, evidence-based answers from classrooms, labs, and design studios alike.
🔥 Hot Off the Research Press This Month:
AI-powered chatbots improve design thinking when scaffolded using the 5E model.
A six-stage model helps teachers collaboratively design interdisciplinary STEM learning.
Human-centred analytics and AI tools need stronger pedagogical grounding and evaluation.
A new framework uses Bloom’s Taxonomy to guide transparent, AI-assisted design.
Instructional designers share how they’re using — and questioning — ChatGPT.
In This Month’s Edition You Will Find:
✨ The 5E chatbot method that transforms generic AI into your pedagogical partner (without the hallucinations)
🎯 The transparency framework top designers use to maintain control while leveraging AI's power
📊 The three designer archetypes—Pessimistic Evaluators, Optimistic Advocates, and Wary Thinkers (which one are you?)
🔧 A new 6-stage collaborative model that's revolutionising ADDIE
⚠️ The design gaps that make 70% of AI education tools fail in real classrooms (and how to avoid them!)
Let’s dive in 🚀