‘Not about preventing AI misuse’: S’pore universities move from grading essays to assessing thinking
NUS, NTU, SUSS, SUTD and SIT do not deploy detection tools to flag for AI misuse in students’ work.
In a seminar at Singapore Management University, a student presented an app designed to guide users through the grieving process. He then faced questions from classmates and the professor about the app's personalization features. The student's responses demonstrated his ability to spontaneously explain concepts without relying on a prepared script.
Previously, students were graded on essays and projects submitted at the end of the term. At another SMU course, students wrote a 15-minute essay without external references but were allowed to use AI for research. Associate provost for undergraduate education, Michelle Lee, used this method to assess students' understanding and ability to synthesize information, rather than relying on AI shortcuts.
AI use is increasingly common in universities, prompting educators to develop creative assessment methods. In 2025, NTU students were penalized for misusing AI, leading to the university's decision to stop using AI-detection tools. NTU, along with other universities such as NUS, SUTD, and SUSS, have adopted various assessment methods, including invigilated exams, gallery presentations, staged submissions, reflective journals, and oral defenses.
Some courses even require students to evaluate AI outputs, ensuring they can assess the technology's accuracy and potential biases. These changes reflect a shift in how universities evaluate student learning, focusing on understanding and critical thinking rather than solely on submitted work.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
