AI Can Transform Our Approach to Assessments By Meghan Hargrave
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in education has required, and will continue to require, innovation in teaching and learning. One area that many educators are starting to look at closely is assessment. Traditional assessments like multiple-choice tests, comprehension questions, and essays can be easily completed by most chatbots, raising concerns among teachers. This not only necessitates lessons on academic integrity but also prompts the question, “If technology can easily accomplish this, is there a better assessment we could be administering?” Regardless, it leads to a reevaluation of these tasks and urges us to consider experiences that promote deeper student thinking.
To revise and reword assessments, educators can work to develop assessments that demand original thought and critical analysis, transforming how students interact with and respond to content presented. An example of this type of innovation is looking closely at comprehension questions and reworking them to be more complex and analytical. Instead of asking, “What is the theme of this text?” educators might now require a comparison of thematic elements with real-world issues, deepening students’ understanding and engagement, or assess a student debate instead of a basic literary response.
While AI challenges us to adjust and transform assessments, it can also serve as a tool to help facilitate the change. Teachers can use the technology to make assessments AI-resistant, leveraging it to assist in the very challenges it presents. For instance, one teacher sought to rethink an assignment where students were required to write a basic five-paragraph essay about a historical time period they studied. She prompted a chatbot for ideas and, after exploring a list of suggestions, decided to have students create an annotated timeline of all historical events, discussing their significance and reasons. This innovation provided deeper insights into student thinking and learning.