Enriching Education - AI and Asking Questions

 Many adults remember the childhood feeling of stress when raising their hand in the classroom to ask their teacher for help. However, now that anxiety has shifted as students are sharing that they have turned to other sources for answers. 

Leading nonprofit and digital learning platform, CK-12 surveyed over 700 U.S. middle and high school students to better understand how students’ “question comfortability” in and out of the classroom has changed.  

When asked “Am I comfortable asking questions in class when I don’t understand something?” insights showed:

• 1 in 5 (20%) students don’t feel comfortable at all asking questions in the classroom.
• Over 21% would rather ask some besides their teacher or look it up online later.
• 27% do still feel comfortable asking questions in the classroom to their teachers. 

Most surprising from the report, over 32% of students said they feel most comfortable asking an AI tool like ChatGPT when they're stuck.   

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why don't students always feel comfortable asking questions in the classroom or directly to their teachers?

Students may not always feel comfortable asking questions in the classroom or directly to their teachers for several reasons:

1. Fear of Judgment: Students might worry about being judged by their peers or teachers, thinking their questions may be perceived as silly or a sign of not paying attention.
2. Social Anxiety: Some students experience social anxiety, making it difficult for them to speak up in front of the class.
3. Lack of Confidence: Students who lack confidence in their knowledge or communication skills may hesitate to ask questions.
4. Classroom Environment: A classroom environment that is not supportive or is overly competitive can discourage students from asking questions.
5. Perceived Teacher Approachability: If students feel that their teacher is unapproachable or dismissive, they might be reluctant to ask questions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of student use of AI to answer questions?

Advantages:

1. Accessibility: AI provides students with 24/7 access to information and answers, supporting learning outside of classroom hours.
2. Personalized Learning: AI can offer personalized responses and resources tailored to individual learning needs and styles.
3. Immediate Feedback: Students can receive immediate answers and feedback, which can be particularly helpful for homework and studying.
4. Anonymity: Using AI allows students to ask questions without fear of judgment, promoting a more comfortable learning experience.

Disadvantages:

1. Accuracy of Information: Not all AI-generated information is accurate or reliable, which can lead to misunderstandings or the spread of misinformation.
2. Lack of Context: AI may provide answers without the necessary context or depth that a teacher might offer.
3. Reduced Human Interaction: Over-reliance on AI can reduce face-to-face interactions and the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
4. Ethical Concerns: Using AI for academic work can raise issues related to plagiarism and academic integrity.

How can schools foster an environment that encourages more in-class curiosity?

1. Create a Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Encourage a classroom culture where questions are welcomed and valued, and where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
2. Promote Open Communication: Foster open communication between teachers and students, ensuring that teachers are approachable and actively listen to students’ concerns and questions.
3. Use Interactive Teaching Methods: Implement interactive and engaging teaching methods that stimulate curiosity and active participation.
4. Encourage Critical Thinking: Design activities and discussions that promote critical thinking and inquiry, encouraging students to explore and question concepts.
5. Celebrate Curiosity: Recognize and celebrate instances when students show curiosity and initiative in their learning.
6. Provide Diverse Resources: Offer a variety of learning resources and opportunities for exploration beyond the standard curriculum.

If students are going to use AI, how can they do so responsibly and make sure they're getting accurate information?

1. Evaluate Sources: Teach students how to critically evaluate the sources of information provided by AI, including checking for credibility and cross-referencing with reliable sources.
2. Understand AI Limitations: Educate students about the limitations of AI, emphasizing that it is a tool to assist learning rather than a definitive source of truth.
3. Encourage Human Verification: Encourage students to verify AI-generated information with their teachers, textbooks, and other trusted resources.
4. Use Reputable AI Tools: Guide students to use reputable and well-reviewed AI tools that are known for providing accurate and reliable information.
5. Foster Digital Literacy: Develop students' digital literacy skills, including how to discern between factual information and misinformation online.
6. Promote Ethical Use: Discuss the ethical implications of using AI, such as avoiding plagiarism and using AI to enhance rather than replace their own efforts.

Teachers and students alike are leaning on online learning more than ever. Platforms such as CK-12 offer education-led prompts, access to curriculum-approved textbooks and AI tutoring. Parents can utilize these tools to assist their students at home. Students are able to explore topics that interest them without the direct guidance of a teacher.