“Clicking vs. Writing”—The Impact of a Chatbot’s Interaction Method on the Working Alliance in AI-based Coaching

Abstract Coaching has become an important didactic tool for reflecting learning processes in higher education. Digital media and AI-based technologies such as chatbots can support stimulating self-coaching processes. For the use case of student coaching on topic exam anxiety, working alliance between a chatbot human coachee is investigated. Two coachbot interaction methods are compared: A click-based (implemented rule-based system), where only click one answer, writing-based conversational AI), which allows to freely type their answers. The focus method enables stronger coach coachee: or chatbot. technical realization systems were investigated exploratory quantitative study with 21 engineering students. results indicate that both conditions be classified medium high overall. further show values bonding platform than when using system. However, seem more helpful low-threshold entry point coaching, they guide coachees better through process by providing predefined An evaluation shows self-reflection digital via generally well accepted development research, it therefore recommendable develop “mixed” clicking free writing.