META messenger AI tutoring for developing graphical reasoning in rotational kinematics and science process skills

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v34.3632
Keywords: AI tutoring, graphical reasoning, physics education, rotational kinematics, science process skills

Abstract

Graphical reasoning in rotational kinematics remains a persistent challenge for secondary students, largely due to difficulties in interpreting and connecting angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration graphs. Similarly, the integration of science process skills (SPS) in physics instruction is often underemphasized. This study examined the effectiveness of META Messenger–based AI tutoring in improving students’ graphical reasoning and SPS in the context of rotational motion. A clustered quasi-experimental design was employed with 120 Grade 12 students from a public secondary school in the Philippines, assigned to an experimental group (artificial intelligence [AI] tutoring, n = 60) and a control group (traditional instruction, n = 60). Students completed validated assessments of graphical reasoning, basic SPS, and integrated SPS before and after the 4-week intervention. Results indicated statistically significant learning gains in both groups, with the experimental group demonstrating substantially greater improvements. Posttest scores for the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group across all measures, with large adjusted effect sizes and confidence intervals consistently excluding zero. These findings suggest that conversational AI tutoring delivered via accessible platforms can provide effective scaffolding for complex, graph-based physics concepts while simultaneously fostering scientific inquiry skills. The study contributes to emerging evidence on AI-enhanced science education and illustrates a practical model for integrating adaptive technologies in resource-constrained contexts.

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Published
2026-03-10
How to Cite
Purigay , J. P. D., & Lopez , E. B. (2026). META messenger AI tutoring for developing graphical reasoning in rotational kinematics and science process skills. Research in Learning Technology, 34. https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v34.3632
Issue
Vol. 34 (2026)
Section
Original Research Articles
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