Source
Times Higher Education
Summary
A recent study of academics in China’s Greater Bay Area reveals that some lecturers are reducing student marks if they suspect AI use, even when the students have declared using it or when institutional policy allows such use. The research, involving 33 academics, highlights that ambiguity around what constitutes legitimate AI use and norms emphasising originality and independence, leads to inconsistent grading. Particularly in the humanities, suspicion of AI can lead to harsher penalties. The lack of explicit expectations communicated to students exacerbates the issue, risking distrust and undermining the credibility of academic grading unless clearer standards are established.
Key Points
- Academics are sometimes deducting marks based on suspicion of AI use, despite declared or permitted use.
- The study involved 33 academics, many of whom report tension between policies that permit AI and traditional values of originality and independence.
- Humanities lecturers are more likely to penalise AI-use suspicion than those in other disciplines.
- Many institutions lack clear policies; expectations about AI use are often implicit, not explicitly communicated to students.
- Without clarity, there is a risk of unfair marking, loss of trust between students and staff, and damage to the credibility of academic certifications.
Keywords
URL
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/academics-marking-students-down-when-they-suspect-ai-use
Summary generated by ChatGPT 5
