Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, particularly with advanced models like ChatGPT. These tools have become essential aides for students, especially those struggling with school material. Recent research by psychologists at Lund University shows that AI tools like ChatGPT are particularly beneficial for students with lower executive function (EF). They offer more support to these students than to their peers. Learn more about the role of AI in education in this detailed UNESCO report on Artificial Intelligence in Education.

The Importance of Executive Function in Education

Researchers have long established that executive function—a set of cognitive processes crucial for attention, concentration, planning, and problem-solving—plays a key role in student success. Lower EF consistently leads to poorer academic outcomes. Executive function in learning is a critical factor in determining how well students perform in school. Lund University psychologists have explored the usefulness of AI tools like ChatGPT. Their findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, show that students with EF challenges find AI tools far more useful for schoolwork than their peers.

How AI Supports Students with Cognitive Challenges

AI tools are a welcome support for students struggling with cognitive processes essential for academic success. However, researchers caution against excessive reliance on these tools. It might hinder or delay the development of students’ executive functions and independent learning. Two studies in Lund, a city in southern Sweden, involved several hundred primary and secondary school students. They revealed that 15% of primary students and 53% of secondary students use AI chatbots like ChatGPT. This is likely because older students face more complex tasks, leading to more frequent use of AI tools. For further insights, refer to this comprehensive study by Brookings on the benefits of AI in education.

Students who struggle with EF find generative AI much more useful for schoolwork than their peers. AI clearly enhances their productivity and helps them manage daily tasks more effectively. For more on how AI impacts student productivity, check out this related article.

Balancing AI Support and Independent Learning

The line between cheating and using AI tools as support depends on the intention and extent of use. Using ChatGPT to complete entire assignments or solve problems, then presenting the results as your own work, is cheating. However, if students critically engage with the generated content and add their understanding and effort, it’s legitimate assistance.

This study is a pioneering attempt to understand the relationship between the use of AI tools in school environments and EF. While the study acknowledges some limitations, such as the self-reported nature of AI usage by students, it calls for further research with larger samples and different methods to explore AI’s full potential in education.