Science of Learning Meets AI

Lewis D. Ludwig is a Professor of Mathematics at Denison University, where he served from 2020 to 2025 as the Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching.Todd D. Zakrajsek is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill and Director of the ITLC-Lilly Conferences on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning.

"The Science of Learning Meets AI is that rare book that truly understands what faculty are facing. Lew and Todd meet instructors where they are—whether cautious, overwhelmed, or curious—and offer a smart, supportive roadmap for navigating GenAI with integrity and effectiveness. Their approach is practical without being simplistic, encouraging without being naïve, and grounded in evidence without being heavy-handed. This is an essential companion for teaching in the GenAI era."Tricia Bertram Gallant, Co-Author of the best-selling The Opposite of Cheating"The Science of Learning Meets AI invites us to embrace our role as cognitive coaches—guides who design the 'workout,' model expert thinking, and help learners know when to push harder and when to set the tools aside. With research-grounded clarity and generous coaching of their own, the authors show how strategic use of generative AI can deepen learning while also reminding us when it risks doing too much of the 'heavy lifting.' Drawing from the science of learning, reflective questions, and plenty of examples, they expand our imagination for what’s possible. This is a book that helps us nurture uniquely human strengths, while guiding students from novice to expert in an age of genAI."Bonni Stachowiak, Producer & Podcast Host of Teaching In Higher Ed"The Science of Learning Meets AI is the book faculty have been waiting for. Rather than reacting to generative AI with fear or restriction, Ludwig and Zakrajsek ground the conversation in what we already know about how students learn. Drawing on familiar frameworks such as Backward Design, UDL, and TILT, they show how AI can be integrated purposefully to deepen learning, support student agency, and uphold ethical practice. Clear-eyed, practical, and refreshingly human-centered, this book moves us beyond 'AI-proofing' and toward teaching that leverages new tools without losing the essential struggle that makes learning meaningful."Lindsey Hamilton, Director of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning at Bates College, USA"This easy-to-read, timely, and engaging book offers advice for educators at every level. Ludwig and Zakrajsek combine years of pedagogical expertise and practical experience to create a path for educators to follow. The authors argue that there's no reason to walk the genAI road alone, and within each chapter, readers receive helpful tips and discussions on how to apply evidence-based techniques to the current moment. If you're looking for a compass to navigate genAI integration without abandoning what works, The Science of Learning Meets AI belongs on your shelf."Blake Nielsen, Director of Center for Teaching and Learning at Columbia College, USA"Readers will gain both an understanding of well-grounded theories in science of learning and their application to the use of AI for facilitating instruction and learning. Sample prompts and activities throughout make application easy and straightforward across disciplines. This is an excellent resource for instructors at all levels.”Anne Cook, Director of the Martha Bradley Evans Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Utah, USA

• Part 1: Creating Your genAI Roadmap Chapter 1. You Didn’t Ask for This, But It Is Here Chapter 2. Teaching and Learning in the Age of genAI Chapter 3. Navigating Your genAI Journey from Improvement to Innovation Part 2: Building a Foundation for Learning Chapter 4. GenAI-Assisted Universal Design for Learning and Instruction Chapter 5. Building Community and Trust Chapter 6. Backward Design: Planning a genAI-Facilitated Journey Chapter 7. GenAI Integration to Create Deeper Learning Opportunities Part 3: Teaching for Deeper Learning Chapter 8. Guiding the Journey from Novice to Expert Chapter 9. Strategic Learning in Action Chapter 10. Developing Persistent Learners