Developing metacognitive knowledge for effective AI-supported study behaviors in undergraduate biology: recommendations for instructors

The use of effective study behaviors is essential for student academic performance and persistence. Currently, it is reported that college students use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help them prepare for courses, suggesting they hold metacognitive knowledge of AI as a study tool. However, there is no set of recommendations to develop metacognitive knowledge of effective AI-supported study behaviors for students enrolled in introductory biology courses. In this essay, we draw on existing literature on study strategies, metacognition, and emerging studies on AI use in higher education to consider how students use generative AI to support their learning and how incomplete metacognitive knowledge of AI use can result in continued use of ineffective study strategies that negatively influence academic performance. We then offer recommendations to support the development of this knowledge in undergraduate courses. As generative AI continues to become a mainstay within higher education, we hope this essay equips instructors with the knowledge to promote student success in biology coursework.