Tag: academic confidence

This Professor Let Half His Class Use AI. Here’s What Happened

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A split classroom scene with a professor in the middle, presenting data. The left side, labeled "GROUP A: WITH AI," shows disengaged students with "F" grades. The right side, labeled "GROUP B: NO AI," shows engaged students with "A+" grades, depicting contrasting outcomes of AI use in a classroom experiment. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
An academic experiment unfolds: Visualizing the stark differences in engagement and performance between students who used AI and those who did not, as observed by one professor. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Gizmodo

Summary

A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Christian Rojas compared two sections of the same advanced economics course—one permitted structured AI use, the other did not. The results revealed that allowing AI under clear guidelines improved student engagement, confidence, and reflective learning but did not affect exam performance. Students with AI access reported greater efficiency and satisfaction with course design while developing stronger habits of self-correction and critical evaluation of AI outputs. Rojas concludes that carefully scaffolded AI integration can enrich learning experiences without fostering dependency or academic shortcuts, though larger studies are needed.

Key Points

  • Structured AI use increased engagement and confidence but not exam scores.
  • Students used AI for longer, more focused sessions and reflective learning.
  • Positive perceptions grew regarding efficiency and instructor quality.
  • AI integration encouraged editing, critical thinking, and ownership of ideas.
  • Researchers stress that broader trials are required to validate results.

Keywords

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URL

https://gizmodo.com/this-professor-let-half-his-class-use-ai-heres-what-happened-2000678960

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

GenAI News

Students Who Lack Academic Confidence More Likely to Use AI

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In a modern university library setting, a young female student with a concerned expression is intently focused on her laptop. A glowing holographic interface floats above her keyboard, displaying "ESSAY ASSIST," "RESEARCH BOT," and "CONFIDENCE BOOST!" with an encouraging smiley face. In the background, other students are also working on laptops. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
Research suggests a correlation between a lack of academic confidence in students and an increased likelihood of turning to AI tools for assistance. This image depicts a student utilising an AI interface offering “confidence boost” and “essay assist,” illustrating how AI can become a crutch for those feeling insecure about their abilities in the academic environment. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Inside Higher Ed

Summary

A survey by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab finds that 85 % of students claim they’ve used generative AI for coursework in the past year. Among the habits observed, students with lower self-perceived academic competence or low confidence are more likely to lean on AI tools, especially when unsure or reluctant to ask peers or instructors for help. The study distinguishes between instrumental help-seeking (clarification, explanations) and executive help-seeking (using AI to complete work). Students who trust AI more are also more likely to use it. The authors argue that universities need clearer AI policies and stronger support structures so that students don’t feel forced into overreliance.

Key Points

  • 85 % of surveyed students reported using generative AI for coursework in the past year.
  • Students with lower academic confidence or discomfort asking peers tend to rely more on AI.
  • AI use splits into two modes: instrumental (asking questions, clarifying) vs executive (using the AI to generate or complete work).
  • Trust in AI correlates with higher usage, even controlling for other variables.
  • Many students call for clear, standardised institutional policies on AI use to reduce ambiguity.

Keywords

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URL

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/academic-life/2025/09/30/students-who-lack-academic-confidence-more-likely-use

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

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