According to Ethan Mollick on X, the authors of an earlier paper warning that students harm learning by copying AI answers now report a new randomized controlled trial showing that well-prompted AI tutors improve learning outcomes, as documented in their SSRN preprint. According to the SSRN paper, structured prompting and step-by-step guidance led to measurable gains versus control groups, indicating that guardrailed AI tutoring can enhance mastery rather than shortcut learning. As reported by the SSRN preprint, the study’s RCT design isolates the causal effect of prompt-engineered AI tutors, highlighting implementation details—such as scaffolded hints and verification steps—that schools and edtech firms can operationalize to reduce answer-copying and increase concept retention. According to the SSRN source, these findings open business opportunities for learning platforms to productize prompt frameworks, formative feedback loops, and analytics that track tutor adherence and student progress.