The Impact of Intelligent Adaptive Learning on Flexible Thinking and Academic Achievement for Undergraduate Students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v16i2.60769

Keywords:

Keywords— Intelligent adaptive learning (IAL), flexible thinking (FT), academic achievement, AI in education, personalized learning, undergradu-ate students, education college, quasi-experimental design, adaptive plat-forms.

Abstract


In the knowledge society, artificial intelligence (AI) forms a cornerstone of global education. This quasi-experimental study examines the impact of an Intelligent Adaptive Learning Strategy (IALS) on flexible thinking (FT) and academic achievement among 60 3rd-year undergraduate students at the College of Education/University of Baghdad (experimental n = 30; control n = 30). The IALS was implemented via an AI-supported educational platform, while the control group received conventional instruction. Post-test intervention assessments included an FT test (10 items, content validity = 0.89, Cronbach’s α = 0.87) and an achievement test (10 objective items, α = 0.85). Results revealed statistically significant superiority of the experimental group in both FT (p < 0.01, η² = 0.34) and academic achievement (p < 0.001, η² = 0.42). Findings affirm IALS efficacy in personalized learning environments. Recommendations include adopting centralized adaptive learning (AL) platforms, faculty training in adaptive pathway design, and integration of IALS into mathematics, algorithms, and programming courses.

Author Biography

Haider TH.Salim ALRikabi, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq

Wasit University,College of Engineering,Electrical Engineering Department

References

[1] J. Erickson, "Traditional versus Modern Learning Strategies," Master’s theses & Capstone Projects, Northwestern College, Iowa, 2024.

[2] K. Shalgimbekova, T. Smagliy, R. Kalimzhanova, and Z. Suleimenova, "Innovative teaching technologies in higher education: efficiency and student motivation," Cogent Education, vol. 11, p. 2425205, 2024.

[3] M. S. K. Wahib, Z. A. A. Alamiry, B. H. Majeed, and H. T. S. ALRikabi, "Digital citizenship for faculty of Iraqi universities," Periodicals of Engi-neering and Natural Sciences (PEN), vol. 11, pp. 262-274, 2023.

[4] S. Wang, F. Wang, Z. Zhu, J. Wang, T. Tran, and Z. Du, "Artificial intelli-gence in education: A systematic literature review," Expert Systems with Applications, vol. 252, p. 124167, 2024.

[5] L. T. Ameen, M. R. Yousif, N. A. Jasim Alnoori, and B. H. Majeed, "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Computational Thinking in Educa-tion at University," International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, vol. 14, 2024.

[6] M. Ban Hassan, W. Hashim Abdulsalam, Z. Hazim Ibrahim, R. H Ali, and S. Mashhadani, "Digital Intelligence for University Students Using Arti-ficial Intelligence Techniques," International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems, vol. 17, pp. 1-10, 2025.

[7] D. K. A.-R. Al-Malah, B. H. Majeed, and H. T. S. ALRikabi, "Enhance-ment the educational technology by using 5G networks," International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (Online), vol. 18, p. 137, 2023.

[8] M. Mani, M. Gezelius, J. Löwgren, G. Höst, M. M. Koć-Januchta, L. A. Tibell, et al., "Designing with multiple perspectives: an interactive learning environment for developing systems thinking in a carbon cycle context," Interactive Learning Environments, pp. 1-26, 2025.

[9] M. Iqbal, N. U. Khan, and M. Imran, "The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming educational practices: Opportunities, challenges, and implications," Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 5, pp. 348-359, 2024.

[10] W. H. Abdulsalam, Ibrahim, Z.H., Majeed, B.H., Salim ALRikabi, H.T., "Utilizing Machine Learning Techniques to Predict University Students’ Digital Competence," International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), vol. 15, pp. 1-17, 2025.

[11] B. Y. Bora and C. Ş. Kölemen, "Integrating AI into instructional design: A case study on digital photography education in higher education," Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 17, p. ep583, 2025.

[12] M. Younas, I. Ismayil, D. A. S. El-Dakhs, and B. Anwar, "Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence in advancing smart learning in educa-tion: a meta-analysis with statistical evidence," Open Praxis, vol. 17, pp. 594-610, 2025.

[13] A. Ali, R. Khan, D. Manzoor, M. Mateen, and M. Khan, "AI-powered e-learning: Innovations, challenges, and the future of education," Inter-national Journal of Information and Education Technology, vol. 15, pp. 882-890, 2025.

[14] W. H. Abdulsalam, S. Mashhadani, S. S. Hussein, and A. A. Hashim, "Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Identify Individuals through Palm Image Recognition," International Journal of Mathematics and Com-puter Science, vol. 20, pp. 165-171, 2025.

[15] W. H. A. Rasha H. Ali, "Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Predic-tion by Artificial Intelligence Techniques," Iraqi Journal of Science, vol. 65, pp. 5281-5294, 2024.

[16] S. Mashhadani, W. H. Abdulsalam, I. Alhakam, O. A. Hassen, and S. M. Darwish, "An Enhanced Document Source Identification System for Printer Forensic Applications based on the Boosted Quantum KNN Classifier," Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, vol. 15, pp. 19983-19991, 2025.

[17] C.-C. Lin, A. Y. Huang, and O. H. Lu, "Artificial intelligence in intelligent tutoring systems toward sustainable education: a systematic review," Smart learning environments, vol. 10, p. 41, 2023.

[18] E. G. Rincon-Flores, L. Castano, S. L. Guerrero Solis, O. Olmos Lopez, C. F. Rodríguez Hernández, L. A. Castillo Lara, et al., "Improving the learning-teaching process through adaptive learning strategy," Smart Learning Environments, vol. 11, p. 27, 2024.

[19] R. McGuire, "What is Adaptive Learning and How does it work to Pro-mote Equity in Higher Education? Every Learner Everywhere. ," ed, 2021.

[20] C. D. Du Plooy E, Franzsen D. , "Personalized adaptive learning in high-er education: A scoping review of key characteristics and impact on academic performance and engagement," Heliyon, vol. 10, 2024.

[21] S. Gevorgyan, "The use of adaptive learning technologies in e-learning for inclusive education: A systematic review," E-Learning Innovations Journal, vol. 2, pp. 90-107, 2024.

[22] K. Smith, "Perceptions of preservice teachers about adaptive learning programs in K-8 mathematics education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 9 (2), 111-130," ed, 2018.

[23] H. Farhood, M. Nyden, A. Beheshti, and S. Muller, "Artificial intelli-gence-based personalised learning in education: a systematic litera-ture review," Discover Artificial Intelligence, vol. 5, p. 331, 2025.

[24] N. A. Jasim, H. T. S. AlRikabi, and M. S. Farhan, "Internet of Things (IoT) application in the assessment of learning process," in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2021, p. 012002.

[25] Y. Higuchi, T. Mitsuishi, K. Go, and systems, "An interactive multimedia instruction system: IMPRESSION for double loop instructional design process model," IEICE transactions on information, vol. 89, pp. 1877-1884, 2006.

[26] S. Montanari, "Flexibility Competence Assessment: A Systematic Liter-ature Review," Education Sciences, vol. 15, p. 1118, 2025.

[27] İ. Karakuş, "University students’ cognitive flexibility and critical think-ing dispositions," Frontiers in psychology, vol. 15, p. 1420272, 2024.

[28] S. Rahayuningsih, S. Sirajuddin, and N. Nasrun, "Cognitive flexibility: exploring students’ problem-solving in elementary school mathematics learning," JRAMathEdu (Journal of Research and Advances in Mathe-matics Education), pp. 59-70, 2021.

[29] M. Barak and A. Levenberg, "Flexible thinking in learning: An individual differences measure for learning in technology-enhanced environ-ments," Computers & education, vol. 99, pp. 39-52, 2016.

[30] R. Steinmayr, A. Meiǹer, A. F. Weideinger, and L. Wirthwein, Academic achievement: Oxford University Press Oxford, UK, 2014.

[31] S. S. Hammadi, B. H. Majeed, and A. K. Hassan, "Impact of Deep Learn-ing Strategy in Mathematics Achievement and Practical Intelligence among High School Students," Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., vol. 18, pp. 42-52, 2023.

[32] E. RL., Essentials of educational measurement., 2nd ed. ed.: New Jer-sey: Prentice-Hall. , 1972.

[33] D. C. Murphy KR, "Psychological testing " Principles, and Applications Englewood Cliffs., vol. 18, 1988.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Ban Hassan Majeed, Zainab Hazim Ibrahim, Wisal Hashim Abdulsalam, Duha Khalid Abdul-Rahman Al-Malah, & ALRikabi, H. T. (2026). The Impact of Intelligent Adaptive Learning on Flexible Thinking and Academic Achievement for Undergraduate Students. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 16(2), pp. 55–68. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v16i2.60769

Issue

Section

Papers