AI use ups homework scores, but slashes exam marks: Study
World Bank's report reveals that unrestricted use of generative AI may enhance homework scores while diminishing actual learning outcomes. Evidence indicates that students using AI showed improvement in assignments but performed worse in exams over time. Concerns exist regarding students outsourcing their learning process to AI rather than engaging in cognitive effort. However, AI used by…
New Delhi, India - The World Bank's World Development Report 2026 delves into the impact of generative AI on students' learning, highlighting both benefits and risks. The report's section, "Generative AI and the Erosion of Knowledge, Learning, and Human Skills," warns that tools like ChatGPT can diminish the mental effort required for reasoning, writing, and knowledge acquisition.
China serves as the strongest evidence for this claim. A study tracking students from classes VII to XII revealed that AI use surged from virtually non-existent to around 80% between 2022 and 2025. Within six months of initial AI use, students' homework scores surged by 18%, despite spending less time on assignments. However, monthly examination scores in class plummeted by 20%. Additionally, students who ever used AI scored 5-7% lower on senior high school and college entrance exams.
World Bank team leader Gaurav Nayyar expressed concern, stating that outsourcing learning processes to AI poses problems. He noted that the evidence so far appears more optimistic when AI is employed by teachers, such as personalizing and customizing instructions for diverse learners.
Other research cited by the World Bank supports these findings. Students utilizing large language models for research displayed lower cognitive effort and weaker reasoning. Mental effort also declined even when output quality improved. Students granted unrestricted AI access performed worse later when the technology was withdrawn.
The report cautions that if students utilize AI to complete homework, the "productive struggle" essential for learning could be compromised, potentially weakening foundational skills like reasoning and writing. However, the report does not advocate against AI in education. It highlights that 30 sessions of AI-powered tutoring led to learning gains equivalent to at least 0.5 years of schooling, particularly when AI complements teachers and incorporates safeguards against shortcuts.
The report concludes that AI can enhance human capabilities but must not replace the processes through which advanced skills are acquired.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
