Artificial Intelligence as an Ally in Learning

This academic year, the course on International Negotiations at the bachelor program International Business has become a true innovation laboratory. For the first time, a cutting-edge Russian development—Fialka.AI, an AI coach for developing negotiation skills—has been integrated into the educational process.

Throughout the semester, students explored the complex, multifaceted nature of international negotiations: from fundamental concepts like BATNA and ZOPA to the nuances of intercultural communication, ethics, and emotional intelligence. Successful negotiation is not about defeating an opponent but about creating a sustainable, mutually beneficial agreement based on understanding interests, trust, and strategic flexibility. However, theory is only half of the battle; to truly master the art of negotiation, one must practice, receive feedback, see oneself from the outside, and learn from mistakes.

Fialka.AI served not merely as an intellectual partner for students but, thanks to AI, enabled deep behavioral analytics: the system recognizes negotiation styles (from 'competitive' to 'collaborative'), analyzes the frequency of closed questions, pauses, interruptions, speech rate, emotional tone, and even hidden manipulations. Each student received personalized feedback—not generic advice like "be more confident," but measurable metrics and specific recommendations: "You spoke 23% faster than average—slowing down will increase perceived competence," or "You made a concession at a late stage without a counteroffer—this weakens your position."

It is worth noting that the AI does not replace the instructor but acts as an amplifier of traditional learning—a tool that makes negotiation skills training accessible, safe, and scalable.

Feedback from the learners was sincere, warm, and deeply substantive. Many noted:
"I have never received such detailed feedback before—with graphs, examples, and analysis of my strengths, not just criticism."
"Fialka helped me see that I talk too much when I'm nervous and that my 'concessions' are often perceived as weakness, even though I considered them a show of flexibility."
"It wasn't an exam but a real immersion into the profession—with mistakes, reflection, and the opportunity to become better."

The students didn't just complete a simulation—they saw themselves as professionals, became aware of their blind spots, and gained tools for growth. And this is precisely what we want from higher education: not rote memorization of formulas, but the development of professional self-awareness.

Liudmila Veselova, course instructor:

"In an era when AI causes anxiety for many, it is important to demonstrate its humanistic potential. New technologies can serve humanity: developing the soft skills critically important in the 21st century—empathy, strategic thinking, intercultural sensitivity, emotional resilience. Using such platforms in the educational process is not a passing trend but a necessity. Today's employers are looking not just for knowledge, but for the ability to apply it in complex, uncertain situations. AI coaches give students the opportunity to safely 'fall,' analyze the fall, and rise stronger—even before they enter the real job market."