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Main Authors: Xu, Haoxin, Qi, Changyong, Liu, Tong, Zhang, Bohao, He, Anna, Jiang, Bingqian, Zheng, Longwei, Gu, Xiaoqing
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.17346
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author Xu, Haoxin
Qi, Changyong
Liu, Tong
Zhang, Bohao
He, Anna
Jiang, Bingqian
Zheng, Longwei
Gu, Xiaoqing
author_facet Xu, Haoxin
Qi, Changyong
Liu, Tong
Zhang, Bohao
He, Anna
Jiang, Bingqian
Zheng, Longwei
Gu, Xiaoqing
contents The integration of large language models (LLMs) into intelligent tutoring systems offers transformative potential for personalized learning in higher education. However, most existing learning path planning approaches lack transparency, adaptability, and learner-centered explainability. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel Multi-Agent Learning Path Planning (MALPP) framework that leverages a role- and rule-based collaboration mechanism among intelligent agents, each powered by LLMs. The framework includes three task-specific agents: a learner analytics agent, a path planning agent, and a reflection agent. These agents collaborate via structured prompts and predefined rules to analyze learning profiles, generate tailored learning paths, and iteratively refine them with interpretable feedback. Grounded in Cognitive Load Theory and Zone of Proximal Development, the system ensures that recommended paths are cognitively aligned and pedagogically meaningful. Experiments conducted on the MOOCCubeX dataset using seven LLMs show that MALPP significantly outperforms baseline models in path quality, knowledge sequence consistency, and cognitive load alignment. Ablation studies further validate the effectiveness of the collaborative mechanism and theoretical constraints. This research contributes to the development of trustworthy, explainable AI in education and demonstrates a scalable approach to learner-centered adaptive instruction powered by LLMs.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2601_17346
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Multi-Agent Learning Path Planning via LLMs
Xu, Haoxin
Qi, Changyong
Liu, Tong
Zhang, Bohao
He, Anna
Jiang, Bingqian
Zheng, Longwei
Gu, Xiaoqing
Artificial Intelligence
The integration of large language models (LLMs) into intelligent tutoring systems offers transformative potential for personalized learning in higher education. However, most existing learning path planning approaches lack transparency, adaptability, and learner-centered explainability. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel Multi-Agent Learning Path Planning (MALPP) framework that leverages a role- and rule-based collaboration mechanism among intelligent agents, each powered by LLMs. The framework includes three task-specific agents: a learner analytics agent, a path planning agent, and a reflection agent. These agents collaborate via structured prompts and predefined rules to analyze learning profiles, generate tailored learning paths, and iteratively refine them with interpretable feedback. Grounded in Cognitive Load Theory and Zone of Proximal Development, the system ensures that recommended paths are cognitively aligned and pedagogically meaningful. Experiments conducted on the MOOCCubeX dataset using seven LLMs show that MALPP significantly outperforms baseline models in path quality, knowledge sequence consistency, and cognitive load alignment. Ablation studies further validate the effectiveness of the collaborative mechanism and theoretical constraints. This research contributes to the development of trustworthy, explainable AI in education and demonstrates a scalable approach to learner-centered adaptive instruction powered by LLMs.
title Multi-Agent Learning Path Planning via LLMs
topic Artificial Intelligence
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.17346