Prototyping aprendIA Nigeria
May-June 2025
Key Learnings & Recommendations
Research & Innovation at the IRC
Behavioral Insights
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Research & Innovation at the IRC
Our Findings
Summary of Learnings from Formal School Teachers & Recommendations
Summary of Positive Findings & Behavioral Recommendations
Research & Innovation at the IRC
Jagoran Malamia
Theme | Key Findings | Key Behavioral Recommendations |
Framing | Teachers valued how aprendIA made their teaching more modern, how it made their lives easier and simpler; they saw aprendIA as a friend and mentor/guide and loved how it was a non-judgemental space to ask questions and get support; finally, they already saw impacts in their classroom (namely, student participation, and inclusivity and better teacher-child relationships). |
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Features they liked to expand on | Teachers appreciated the personalized experience. They also loved the use of videos, contextually appropriate images, real-life scenarios, grouping strategies, timely reminders, and emojis—all of which made the content more practical, inclusive, engaging, and supportive, |
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Key moments that prompt them to use it | Teachers spoke of many times they thought was best to use it, but most commonly: when they received a reminder, during a break in the day when actively struggling with something and when planning the next lesson. |
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OVERVIEW
Summary of Improvements Needed & Behavioral Recommendations
Research & Innovation at the IRC
Jagoran Malamia
Theme | Key Findings | Key Behavioral Recommendations |
| Teachers consistently cited lack of data, limited power access, and complex English vocabulary as major barriers to using AprendIA, emphasizing the need for offline or low-data modes, simpler language or local language options (Hausa, Kanuri), and resolving occasional unprompted French-language interruptions. |
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| Teachers requested more voice notes to support those with limited literacy or who prefer listening; suggested improvements to reminders (e.g., SMS, better timing, motivational). Feedback on the teacher persona was mixed—some preferred a respected elder, others related more to a peer. Teachers also wanted more gamified elements like weekly challenges or rewards, and recommended making recall messages shorter and more engaging through comics, voice notes, and simpler language, ideally with local translations. |
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| Many teachers said they wanted more content on how to teach students with disabilities, more content on MHPSS for children and wanted aprendIA to generate sample lesson plans. Some teachers mentioned other topics like computer skills or phonics |
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OVERVIEW
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Research & Innovation at the IRC
Aprendia
Our Findings
What did we learn from our testing with teachers?
Our detailed findings.
Overall Opportunities: What is working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Framing around the “why” we can build on
“Aprendia “moves us from traditional method to modern way of teaching.”.
“aprendIA chatbot has made teaching easier for me. . I now have access to simple explanations and new strategies that I can use immediately in class. I feel more confident and prepared.” “Simplifies the process of teaching.”
“It simplifies my work”. “If I were to search through books for strategies to improve my classroom, it would take hours and days.”
“I make it to be my friend”; It feels like a mentor that’s always available when I need support. It helps me solve classroom problems, and that’s what keeps me coming back to it.”. “It’s like having a senior teacher or mentor with me all the time,”. “I feel like aprendIA is my mentor and teaching guide.”. “t feels like chatting with a friend on WhatsApp”
“It gently corrects you when you make mistakes without saying you are wrong or failed, which makes learning feel safe and supportive”. “
“classroom experience and also helps her in handling mixed ability levels with learners and learning new strategies.” “teaches me how to introduce a group discussion, and how to give a chance to slow and shy learners, it improves classroom management and encourages inclusion”
Overall Opportunities: What is working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Features to keep adding and building out
Personalisation
I like “the way it calls my name makes me feel personally connected, and that encourages me to open it.” “The way it calls my name when I give an answer makes me feel recognized and motivated.”.
“The videos and examples make the strategies easy to understand, learn and apply. “I like the fact that the examples and strategies in the lessons are things we can apply immediately.” “The content shows exactly what we see in our schools for example, how it separates female and male students in images. That’s how things are here.”The videos and images that explain teaching methods really help me. They make things clearer than just reading text.”.
“Grouping method to help manage the classroom”; “I gained a lot of experience using aprendIA chatbot for the pass one month, especially on how to involve my pupils in group activities to improve their active participation in learning.”
“Favorite part? the reminders”.”The reminders were helpful” “ Reminder is very important.”. “I like the reminders and motivational messages. They encourage me to keep learning and remind me of the new strategies I can try in my classroom.”. ““The reminders are very useful. They are friendly and come at the right time, especially when I haven’t used the bot for a while. They help me stay engaged and not give up.”
“I like emojis because they make the chatbot feel less formal and more engaging”” The emojis are very good. They make the chatbot feel friendly and welcoming.”The emojis are okay, especially the thumbs-up. It feels encouraging.”. Although some of them were unknown or confusing“”Sometimes I’m not sure what some emojis mean, especially the faces”
Overall Opportunities: What is working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Moments that make them want to use it
Teachers spoke of many times they thought was best to use it, but most commonly: when they received a reminder, during a break in the day when actively struggling with something and when planning the next days lesson (for many this was in the evening before the next day, and for some this was the morning before classes).
“the moment that makes me open it is when I am about planning my lesson for the week.””Use it to solve problems in my lesson before coming to class” “. “I mostly use aprendIA chatbot in the evenings when I’ve finished my daily activities that is in my Leisure time. Sometimes, I check it during the weekend to plan for the coming week.” ““I usually open aprendIA when I’m planning my lessons. It helps me find creative activities and ways to make the topic more interesting for my learners.”
“I open it usually in response to the reminders I receive on my phone. “I open it based on the reminder that reminded me.”.”The reminders have really helped us stay focused and consistent”
“When I remember how it helped me reduce my late coming and also improved my students’ punctuality, I feel motivated to open it again.”
“When I have a certain challenge in my class and want solutions I open it.”I like that it helps me with classroom Challenge I face. When I’m stuck or need ideas, I just ask aprendIA Chatbot and get support instantly.” “ I find it useful when I get stuck while planning for the next day’s class or when I want to try something new in class. I use it five times a week”
“I like to open it during my leisure time—it feels relaxing and productive”
Overall Challenges: What is not working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
“Is difficult because my phone is not charge (lack of power) and lack of data” “Buy Data bundles” “Lack of data is the reason why people will drop this program” ”Chatbot should offer offline features or low-data modes to support teachers like me””I would like aprendIA to have an offline version, so teachers don’t need mobile data”
“If I had better access to power, like a power bank, I would be able to use it more regularly.” ““My phone has a small battery, and it drains fast. If I don’t charge it fully, I can’t use aprendIA for long.”
“The most confusing part is that the English is not clear to us; the vocabulary used was a bit complex.” “it would be better if the chatbot also worked in Hausa or Kanuri, especially for those who struggle with English” “Feature that could be added are Multiple languages”.
“Prompt of French language even when not requested”.
“Sorten the activities. (and add) Voicenotes” “Add voice notes (so they can receive and share back via voicenote). “It should include voice notes for every topic, especially for teachers who struggle with reading or prefer listening”“It would be better if aprendIA could respond with voice notes.…help teachers who prefer listening over reading, especially when they’re tired or busy.”
“The respected elder teacher is the most trusted” “ Younger energetic teachers in this 21st century have vast knowledge on the use of technology”.
Overall Challenges: What is not working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
“The frustrating thing is because I did not get reminder even if I put reminder.”
“Reminders are helpful but they should ring/alarm so they’re more noticed”
“ Reminders should also come as SMS messages.”
.”The reminders should include a short summary or question to catch my attention and make me want to open the chatbot.”
“Also, it would be helpful if they could automatically reschedule or adjust when I miss a session because I’m busy.”
“Also, the reminder could include a friendly message, emoji, or a short motivational tip to make it more engaging and less formal..”.
“hard thing is group discussion because of infrastructure and population” “Some of the strategies are hard to apply in a class with large population. If they will be strategies that can be applied in a class with high population that will be helpful. “is too difficult to manage large group”
“ If there were short weekly challenges or rewards like certificates or public recognition it would motivate me to keep engaging with it.” “aprendIA should give small weekly challenges, like ‘try a new greeting routine this week,’ and then follow up to ask how it went. That would keep things engaging.”.
“On the recall messages: need to shorten the text” The question sections are long sentences” “ The summary could have been easier to understand if it was translated into a local language like Hausa, as the vocabulary used was a bit complex”
“A combination of short texts and comics would be best and better.”. “Short text and voice notes – they help me understand better, especially when I’m tired of reading.”. “I like voice notes the most, but short text is also good. Sometimes I use both to revise.”
Overall Challenges: What is not working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Many teachers shared desire for additional content
““If aprendIA can help by generating or suggesting a sample lesson plan aligned with our curriculum, it would reduce workload and help me deliver better lessons.”
“I am a head teacher who has 50 teachers. I still teach one subject (Mathematics) but spend most of my time coaching others like the New Teacher and teaching Practices. I’d like practical leadership tools, ways to motivate teachers, and help solving day-to-day school challenges."
“Would like to see more content on how to help children on topics on mental and psychosocial support.”.
“Make it more interactive by allowing teachers to share their own experiences or tips and get feedback from the bot based on that. It will feel more personalized and supportive.”
“ Inclusive education, especially how to support children with disabilities in my classroom”
“If my school leadership recognized my efforts, I would feel more encouraged to learn and use it regularly”. “Receiving a certificate at the end of the program would motivate me”. “Without encouragement or guidance from colleagues or school leadership, she may feel isolated in trying out new tools.” “ Recognition or rewards for teachers who complete modules”
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Research & Innovation at the IRC
Our Findings
Learnings from Government Stakeholders
Overall Opportunities: What is working well
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
AprendIA aligns with government priorities of: professional development, digital integration, and STEM preparation (“modernisation”).
"The integration and effective use of digital resources in classrooms must be prioritized."
They’re prioritising the "Professional development of its teaching workforce"
"Teaching and learning of STEM subjects aimed at preparing students for a modern, knowledge-based economy."
AprendIA has a comparative advantage over other digital programs because it doesn’t require hardware; making it more sustainable, accessible and cost effective also.
"AprendIA works on teachers' personal phones, unlike many other digital tools that require special or expensive devices."; “aprendIA eases costs by reducing the need for physical training sessions”. "Reduces the need for physical training sessions." “this makes it easier for every teacher, regardless of location, to benefit from professional development.in addition cost of transportation and feeding will be reduced.”.
AprendIA is self-paced, flexible, continuous and holistic, making it more attractive than static training.
"Teachers can use AprendIA anytime and anywhere, at their own pace." it allows for “interacting directly with users and adjusting to their individual needs, preferences, and contexts” It “personalize responses in real-time, provide immediate feedback, and support continuous learning based on the user’s pace and understanding.” "AprendIA doesn’t just focus on teaching methods—it supports broader teacher effectiveness."
AprendIA is easy to use, simplifies their work and immediately beneficial.
"Easy for both teachers and students to understand and relate to." and has "visible benefits."
“When educators see how AprendIA can support their work such as through simplified access to content or teaching support, they are more likely to engage.”
What success of aprendIA would look like for them
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Success means improved student engagement, stronger teacher-student relationships, and peaceful classrooms.
"Increased tolerance, empathy, and discipline among students."
“ Encouraging active participation from learners is crucial.”
“Expected changes in student behavior include improved class attendance, greater interest in lessons, punctuality, increased participation during class activities, and an overall eagerness to learn”
"Stronger mutual relationships between students and teachers."
Success means teachers will be more confident, prepared, and effective.
"Teachers will have easy access to lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom support." Teachers will be “able to manage classrooms effectively is a top priority. This includes support in lesson planning, time management, and pedagogical strategies”.
Success means the education system will have better monitoring and more uniform quality.
"AprendIA data will help education leaders make informed decisions."
"Greater uniformity among educators and improved quality of teaching content nationwide."
Changes needed for aprendIA to be a national priority
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
One of the biggest gaps and issues in the BAY states cited was “coaching and mentorship”, which is something they see that aprendIA can offer
Currently, "many teachers feel isolated in their work and lack guidance on how to improve."
“Integrating mentorship into AprendIA, through virtual coaching or peer learning networks, will enhance the overall impact of the tool on teaching quality”
Given the second biggest cited challenge was ‘lacking teaching materials’, they recommend that AprendIA should include features to develop teaching aids
The bot should "Allow teachers to generate and access teaching aids directly within the app." “ AprendIA should be able to suggest and send images or visual aids related to the topic being taught, enhancing understanding and classroom engagement”.
Recommend that aprendia should be able to generate lessons plans also:
“AprendIA should be able to generate full, standards-aligned lesson plans within 10 minutes, including clear behavioral objectives, teacher and learner roles, teaching aids, evaluation methods, key questions, and even marking schemes”.
Government also sees real-time classroom monitoring and record-keeping as essential (opportunity for aprendIA to align with this)
““The tool should include features to assess teacher performance and track instructional delivery. It should also provide school leaders and education authorities with data for monitoring and supporting teacher development”.
"Proper maintenance records and accurate bookkeeping should be prioritized."
Needs to be offered in more languages
“To make AprendIA feel like a truly national priority, it should be available in major local languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin English”.
Needs to include all core subjects and additional topics for the modern world & the future
“should integrate all core subjects taught in Nigerian schools. This includes the 7 core subjects in Lower Primary, 10 subjects in Upper Primary, and 11 subjects in Junior Secondary School”.
“introduce topics on critical thinking, creativity, and even AI and robotics, aligning with global education trends and preparing students for the future”
Other changes for aprendIA to make
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
One of the biggest issues cited was the data issue
“A significant number of teachers either lack smartphones or struggle with data access. For AprendIA to reach them, it should work offline or with minimal data, and ideally, programs should explore partnerships to provide affordable smartphones or data bundles to teachers in need; offline version of aprendia be provided to the teachers or Mobile data for them to learn at their own pace”.
Simplify the language and reduce the number of follow-up questions.
“AprendIA tendency to ask too many follow-up questions can be frustrating for users”. “Several stakeholders noted that the platform currently asks too many questions, which can be frustrating or discouraging”. “it was strongly recommended that AprendIA minimize follow-up questions and reduce complex vocabulary to avoid cognitive overload”.
It’s “recommended that “big grammars” be minimized to ensure accessibility for all teachers, regardless of their background.”.
Include more of a reward system and recognition
“AprendIA should include a reward system, such as recognition, for teachers who consistently use the tool or demonstrate improvement.”
Steps for National System Integration
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Integrate AprendIA into teacher certification and CPD requirements.
"Make the use of AprendIA compulsory for all teachers." "Micro-credentials can motivate teachers and serve as formal evidence of professional development."
Engage national agencies and organize high-level stakeholder roundtables.
"Engage national bodies like the Accelerating Coordinating Unit (ACU)." "Organize a roundtable with decision-makers."
Work with telecom providers and private sector to improve access.
"Engaging telecom service providers to enable offline versions or subsidized data packages."
AprendIA can integrate with CPD, TaRL, and school improvement plans.
"AprendIA can complement Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)." "Should align with School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and School Improvement Plans."
Align with TRCN requirements and serve as preparatory tool.
"TRCN certification should be required or linked to AprendIA."
Steps to Reinforce AprendIA Use in Schools
Research & Innovation at the IRC
FINDINGS
Train supervisors and include them in rollout.
"Include principals, head teachers, and supervisors in the training." "Directors of Quality Assurance should be involved in enforcing use."
Use dashboards and monitoring to track usage and support teachers.
Include a "Dashboard that tracks each teacher’s activity." "Automatic alerts can be sent to the head teacher, supervisor, or peer group” for teachers who are struggling, need support, or to re-engage them.
Incorporate school-based reflection sessions and peer support.
Introduce "School-based discussion sessions help teachers share experiences."
Incentivize use through recognition and micro-credentials.
"Certificates of excellence and public acknowledgment." "Recognition fosters healthy competition and boosts morale."
We welcome questions, comments, suggestions!
THANK YOU!
Research & Innovation at the IRC
Behavioral Insights