Personalized and Scalable Problem-Based Learning in Soft Skills Education: The Role of AI Agents in Multidisciplinary Contexts

Dinh-Minh Vu; Hieu Hoc Le; Xuan Tan Phan; Thi Thanh Tu Nguyen

doi:10.3991/ijep.v16i1.57581

Authors

Dinh-Minh Vu Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0289-5883
Hieu Hoc Le Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3815-6380
Xuan Tan Phan Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9592-0226
Thi Thanh Tu Nguyen Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4564-1579

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v16i1.57581

Keywords:

Soft skills, AI Agent, Blended-learning, Problem-based learning, Personalization

Abstract

Soft skills development remains a critical challenge in higher education, especially in large, multidisciplinary learning environments where students vary in background, motivation, and self-regulatory capacity. Although problem-based learning (PBL) is broadly acknowledged as a successful method for developing critical skills and abilities such as planning, collaboration, and reflective thinking, traditional implementations often face constraints in personalization, coordination, and formative assessment. This study introduces an enhanced PBL model augmented by artificial intelligence (AI) Agents to support soft skills acquisition in blended learning contexts. The AI Agent, leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and automation via the n8n platform, functioned as a virtual assistant to facilitate task planning, peer coordination, self-monitoring, and timely feedback. A quasi-experimental study was carried out involving three groups of students (N = 263) participating in a course focused on developing soft skills, comprising one group using AI-supported PBL, another group using traditional PBL, and a control group taught through standard instructional methods. A mixed-methods analysis demonstrated that the group utilizing AI support exhibited statistically notable enhancements in their outcomes across six soft skill domains, particularly in planning, group work, and reflective learning (p < 0.001). Behavioral data from LMS logs and product assessments further validated enhanced collaboration, consistency, and accuracy in self-assessment among AI-supported learners. The findings demonstrate that integrating AI Agents into PBL not only reduces instructor workload and enhances instructional equity but also empowers learners through personalized, data-driven scaffolding. This approach offers promising implications for scalable, technology-enhanced soft skills education across disciplines.

Author Biographies

Dinh-Minh Vu, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vu Dinh Minh is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), No.1 Dai Co Viet Street, Bach Mai Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam. His research focuses on Educational Technology, eLearning, and Data Mining (E-mail: minh.vudinh@hust.edu.vn).

Hieu Hoc Le, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam

Mr. Le Hieu Hoc is an Associate Professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. His research interests cover quality management, organizational culture, leadership, and employee engagement in the higher education sector, strengthened by his experiences in managerial responsibilities in both public and private universities in Vietnam.
His email address is: hoc.lehieu@hust.edu.vn; and his ORCID iD is: 0000-0002-3815-6380.

Xuan Tan Phan, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

Phan Xuan Tan (Member, IEEE) received the B.E. degree in Electrical-Electronic Engineering from Le Quy Don Technical University, Vietnam, M.E. degree in Computer and Communication Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam and Ph.D. degree in Functional Control Systems from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan. He is currently an Associate Professor at Shibaura Institute of Technology. His current research interests include computer vision, deep learning and image processing.

Thi Thanh Tu Nguyen, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), No.1 Dai Co Viet Street, Bach Mai Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam. Her research focuses on Educational Technology, eLearning and Software Engineering (E-mail: tu.nguyenthithanh@hust.edu.vn).