A UK union survey finds most secondary teachers believe AI is eroding students’ critical thinking, despite widespread teacher adoption of the tools.
BIRMINGHAM: A majority of secondary school teachers in England say students’ critical thinking skills are declining due to the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The National Education Union survey, based on responses from over 9,000 teachers, found 66% of secondary teachers believe pupils’ critical thinking has worsened with AI use.
This compares to 28% of primary school teachers who hold the same view.
At the same time, AI adoption among teachers is rising rapidly, with 76% now using such tools in their daily work.
This marks a significant increase from 53% just a year earlier.
Teachers most commonly use AI for creating resources, lesson planning, and administrative tasks.
Only a small minority rely on it for marking student work.
Despite the increase in usage, many schools lack formal guidance on the technology.
Nearly half of respondents said their schools have no policy on AI use for staff or students.
Two-thirds reported no specific rules governing student use of AI.
The survey also found limited support for government plans to introduce AI tutors for disadvantaged students.
Just 14% of teachers backed the proposal, with nearly half opposing it.
Teachers raised concerns about misuse of the technology, including cheating and overreliance by students.
“Students are losing core skills – thinking, creativity, writing, even how to have a conversation,” one respondent said.
General secretary of the National Education Union Daniel Kebede said the findings highlight risks if AI is not properly managed.
“Students must be able to think for themselves. This is at the heart of learning, but our survey shows a reliance on AI is having an effect on students’ ability to think critically,” he said.
Kebede added that AI must be introduced with proper regulation and oversight to support teaching.
“AI will only improve learning and support teachers in their role if implemented correctly, within a vision of a highly skilled profession,” he said.
The survey was conducted in February and reflects the rapid expansion of AI in schools.
It also highlights significant gaps in policy and training surrounding the technology.
(Bernama-Anadolu)
