From Passive Consumption to Active Interaction: Exploring Interactive LLM Scaffolding to Support Learning Engagement

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Chen, Zixin, Li, Haotian, Liu, Zhe, Qu, Huamin, Xie, Xing
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Chen, Zixin
Li, Haotian
Liu, Zhe
Qu, Huamin
Xie, Xing
author_facet Chen, Zixin
Li, Haotian
Liu, Zhe
Qu, Huamin
Xie, Xing
contents Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly used as learning companions, providing scaffolded explanations, hints, or step-by-step guidance. However, in current LLM-based learning scenarios, scaffolded content is primarily consumed passively, offering limited support for active learner engagement. Learning science research suggests that effective educational scaffolding depends not only on what support is provided, but also on how learners engage with it. In this work, we explore whether embedding lightweight interactive components into LLM-generated scaffolding responses can promote learning-oriented engagement and improve short-term learning outcomes. We evaluated this approach through a within-subjects laboratory study (N=8). Results provide initial evidence that interactive scaffolding increases learners' perceived engagement and attentional focus, while supporting short-term learning performance. We conclude with design implications for integrating interaction into LLM-generated scaffolding to support active learning engagement.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_07277
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle From Passive Consumption to Active Interaction: Exploring Interactive LLM Scaffolding to Support Learning Engagement
Chen, Zixin
Li, Haotian
Liu, Zhe
Qu, Huamin
Xie, Xing
Human-Computer Interaction
Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly used as learning companions, providing scaffolded explanations, hints, or step-by-step guidance. However, in current LLM-based learning scenarios, scaffolded content is primarily consumed passively, offering limited support for active learner engagement. Learning science research suggests that effective educational scaffolding depends not only on what support is provided, but also on how learners engage with it. In this work, we explore whether embedding lightweight interactive components into LLM-generated scaffolding responses can promote learning-oriented engagement and improve short-term learning outcomes. We evaluated this approach through a within-subjects laboratory study (N=8). Results provide initial evidence that interactive scaffolding increases learners' perceived engagement and attentional focus, while supporting short-term learning performance. We conclude with design implications for integrating interaction into LLM-generated scaffolding to support active learning engagement.
title From Passive Consumption to Active Interaction: Exploring Interactive LLM Scaffolding to Support Learning Engagement
topic Human-Computer Interaction
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.07277