OECD: AI Use in School Correlates with Lower Student Performance
Students utilizing AI tools for their studies generally achieve lower academic scores compared to their peers, according to a global OECD educational report. Critical assessment of AI can mitigate negative impacts.
Students who use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with their studies tend to perform worse academically than those who do not, according to data from a global OECD educational report. The situation, however, is nuanced, as certain applications of AI can provide a slight benefit, particularly among students trained to critically assess the AI tools' performance.
The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) collects data from countries worldwide every few years. This year's study, based on data gathered in 2025, marks the first assessment since AI usage became widespread. It evaluates 15-year-old students in science, mathematics, and reading literacy.
The findings indicate that students who incorporated AI into their study routines scored lower on average than those who abstained from its use. This trend raises concerns about the integration of AI in educational settings and its potential impact on learning outcomes.
The report emphasizes the importance of teaching students to critically evaluate AI-generated information and use these tools as supplementary resources rather than replacements for independent thought and analysis. A balanced approach is key to harnessing AI's potential while mitigating its drawbacks.