Preparing A-Level Students for an AI Future
Understanding the Failures of AI
For the first time since 2021, top A-level grades have risen across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with 28% of students achieving A grades. While England saw an increase in grade point averages, Wales and Northern Ireland experienced declines. To achieve the best results, and prepare students for an AI-driven future, it is essential to integrate AI literacy into A-level education.
AI literacy is not just about understanding the technology - it is about knowing its limitations, developing critical thinking, and exploring the ethical implications of using AI in the classroom. Large Language Models (LLMs), often fail to provide accurate answers or help students fully understand complex texts, leading to gaps in their understanding. For example, if you check ChatGPT, you will notice a disclaimer at the bottom of the screen:
These “mistakes” are concerning if students rely too heavily on AI systems, and can result in discrepancies between their coursework and exams. Without access to AI-generated answers during tests, students may struggle, which could impact their overall results. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how AI can benefit students as they start their university career, without functioning as a substitute for learning.
Platforms like AI Fairness 360 can help students explore the ethical dimensions of AI failures. Developed by a team of researchers, this open-source toolkit is designed to detect, understand, and mitigate unwanted algorithmic bias in machine learning models. The growing adoption of AI in education has sometimes overlooked issues such as academic misconduct, raising important questions about the reliance on these imperfect systems. By critically evaluating AI tools, students can develop a deeper understanding of its ethical challenges and prepare themselves for situations where independent thought and a critical approach to technology are essential for success both in and beyond the classroom.
Develop Critical Thinking
The Guardian recently highlighted the importance of creativity and critical thinking in education, especially in the context of AI's limitations. As Rose Luckin pointed out, "Humans need to excel at things AI can’t do – and that means more creativity and critical thinking and less memorisation." To support this, educators and students can use tools like Learnosity, an AI-powered platform that enhances learning with interactive, personalised assessments.
Learnosity offers a variety of question types, advanced analytics, real-time feedback, and adaptive learning paths, all designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for A-level students preparing for university. Its emphasis on inclusivity ensures that all students, regardless of background or learning differences, have access to educational resources across STEM subjects, from maths to chemistry to coding.
Within Learnosity, Author Aide further assists educators by streamlining content creation. This AI-driven tool allows teachers to quickly generate high-quality, standards-aligned questions and feedback, freeing them to focus on engaging students in the classroom. With the ability to customise content, Author Aide ensures that the material meets the specific needs of learners, making it one of the most impressive AI-assisted authoring tools I have come across yet.
Create a Community
When I finished my A-levels, I was anxious about starting university. That’s why building a supportive community is essential for enhancing the student experience and technology can make that a lot easier. Consider joining study groups on platforms like StudyStream, where you can connect with a global network of students. StudyStream helps you stay focused on your academic goals with features like task tracking, ambient sounds for concentration, and live study sessions with thousands of students.
The platform is open 24/7, so no matter your time zone, there is always a study room available. This setup not only helps you stay organised and productive but also reduces the isolation that can come with studying alone. StudyStream is designed for students aged 16 and above and provides a distraction-free environment. It is an excellent way to make new friends, achieve better grades, and work towards your academic and professional goals, such as studying or working abroad. The feedback alone is impressive, StudyStream has helped students complete their reading lists, finish their midterm tasks and deliver coursework before the deadline. It is a unique platform that combines the best aspects of social media with a focus on academic success.
Monitor Student Progress
Academic success is built on productive and ongoing feedback, and with the increased financial burden students face today, that feedback is even more in demand. Tools like Perusall are useful for tracking progress. Perusall transforms traditional course content into a social learning experience by allowing students to collaboratively engage with readings and videos. By commenting, responding, and discussing within the platform, students not only deepen their understanding but also support each other’s learning.
Perusall’s AI technology automatically tracks student engagement and comprehension, providing instructors with continuous insights. The platform can also automatically grade students' interactions with content, saving time for educators while ensuring that their students stay on track. Additionally, the Student Confusion Report offers a concise summary of the areas where students struggled most, allowing instructors to address these gaps effectively. Integrating AI literacy into the A-level curriculum is essential not just for understanding AI’s potential but also for recognising and learning from its failures.
Reflect on AI-Literacy
Students can improve their grades from college to university by leveraging software like AI Fairness 360, Learnosity, StudyStream, and Perusall. Scholarcy is designed to make the jump from A-level to degree-level texts more manageable and less overwhelming. By breaking down complex texts, providing clear summaries, and guiding the student through the text step by step, helping them evaluate and analyse as they go, Scholarcy gives them the confidence not only to read and understand academic research but also to apply it to their own work. Incorporating Scholarcy into their study routine not only supports academic success but also builds critical thinking and analytical skills essential for thriving in academia.
Persistence is Key
For A-level students who didn’t achieve the results they hoped for, remember that grades are not the only measure of success. There are many pathways to achieving your educational goals. Consider options like clearing, where you can contact admissions offices to see if there are places available on your desired course. Persistence is key, and you can always resit your exams in May or June 2025. Don’t let a setback define your future.
If you have a story you’d like to share about your A-levels or applying for university, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us at [email protected].