The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has shown significant promise, yet the effective personalization of learning, particularly in physics education, remains a challenge. This paper proposes Physics-STAR, a framework for large language model (LLM)- powered tutoring system designed to address this gap by providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences for high school students. Our study evaluates Physics-STAR against traditional teacher-led lectures and generic LLM tutoring through a controlled experiment with 12 high school sophomores. Results showed that Physics-STAR increased students' average scores and efficiency on conceptual, computational, and on informational questions. In particular, students' average scores on complex information problems increased by 100% and their efficiency increased by 5.95%. By facilitating step-by-step guidance and reflective learning, Physics-STAR helps students develop critical thinking skills and a robust comprehension of abstract concepts. The findings underscore the potential of AI-driven personalized tutoring systems to transform physics education. As LLM continues to advance, the future of student-centered AI in education looks promising, with the potential to significantly improve learning outcomes and efficiency.

arXiv:2406.10934 [physics] <AI Smry>: By facilitating step-by-step guidance and reflective learning, Physics-STAR helps students develop critical thinking skills and a robust comprehension of abstract concepts, and underscores the potential of AI-driven personalized tutoring systems to transform physics education.