Bringing learners into focus: A systematic review of learner characteristics in AR-supported STEM education

Kozlova, Zoya; Bach, Katharina M.; Edelsbrunner, Peter A. und Hofer, Sarah I. (2025): Bringing learners into focus: A systematic review of learner characteristics in AR-supported STEM education. In: Learning and Individual Differences, Vol. 122, 102727

Abstract

To understand how AR effects on STEM learning depend on individual differences, it is essential to follow the ATI (Aptitude-Treatment Interaction) perspective and investigate interactions between individual differences and AR- vs. non-AR conditions. This systematic review explored the extent to which individual characteristics are examined in AR research as predictors to further review if and how AR research in STEM education follows an ATI approach. Our findings reveal that from 2013 to 2022, k = 38 studies investigated the role of individual variables as predictors with only k = 5 studies considering how individual differences interact with AR vs. non-AR conditions. Spatial ability emerged as the most frequently studied learner characteristic in ATI-AR research, yet its impact on learning outcomes remains inconclusive. We discuss possible reasons for this gap and propose solutions, offering a study design framework to conduct AR studies considering the ATI perspective.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Psychology and Education Science > Department Psychology
• Subjects: 100 Philosophy and Psychology > 150 Psychology
• ISSN: 10416080
• Language: English