Test scores in the US are trending downward. In September 2022, the National Assessment of Education Progress (NEAP) revealed that math and reading scores among 9-year-olds had reached historic lows, and in June 2023, a new report from NEAP on scores among 13-year-olds revealed similar issues. Overall, it appears that the “unfinished learning” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major setbacks in the US educational system.

Educators looking to reverse the trend have a new ally to assist them: artificial intelligence. Initially spurned by some in the educational community as a “cheating tool,” AI is becoming increasingly recognized by educators as an educational tool.

When it comes to test scores, AI can be used in many ways to better prepare students for exams. Teachers should consider experimenting with some of the following methods in their classrooms.

Put students in the role of “AI grader”

The debate involving AI in the classroom heated up toward the end of 2022, when OpenAI released ChatGPT. ChatGPT’s skills include providing answers to questions in a “natural language” format, and its training empowers it to provide responses on a virtually limitless number of topics, from recipes for chicken salad to reviews of classic movies.

Educators were most concerned by ChatGPT’s ability to crank out essays on any topic. The chatbot can even be directed to adjust its language and content to fit a particular grade level. In the hands of a dishonest student, ChatGPT could quickly undermine the effectiveness of a writing assignment.

However, there are several ways that ChatGPT could be used to boost writing proficiency and better prepare students for writing exams. One of these methods involves directing students to have a generative AI platform write an essay for them, then require students to step into the role of the “grader” and evaluate AI’s work.

ChatGPT and other generative AI engines have been shown to do a great job at writing based on specific prompts, but they are not flawless. As with any technology, its output is only as good as its input. Even ChatGPT’s creator admits the chatbot “sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers.”

One innovative teaching idea involves giving students the task of identifying the problems with an AI-generated essay. This can include fact-checking, as well as identifying any biases that the writing might present.

Teachers can also require students to evaluate the quality of writing ChatGPT provides, as one of the main criticisms of AI-generated text is its lack of creativity. Its content is essentially a remix of material that has already been developed, meaning it is not digesting the material, wrestling with it, and developing original thoughts.

As students critique a chatbot’s writing, they have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the elements that contribute to good writing as well as a deeper understanding of the material being tested. As a bonus, they may also find AI-driven chatbots are not entirely reliable writing tools nor the “one-button-click” solution that they may appear to be on the surface.

Create sample tests with generative AI

Taking sample tests is an extremely valuable part of test prep. The process allows students to become familiar with the test format, as well as identify knowledge gaps that they may have. In addition, taking sample tests builds confidence, which is a critical resource to bring to a test.

While such tests exist for standardized exams — such as the SAT and bar exams — students will not likely have access to them for more common exams. That is where generative AI comes in.

Students can use AI platforms like ChatGPT to prepare sample tests. Generative AI can provide questions in several formats, even providing multiple choice questions, and tailor them to a particular grade level. If students can provide questions from previous tests, AI can format new questions in the same style.

Generate study aids with AI platforms

Reviewing course material is another essential step in the test prep process. Course summaries allow students to streamline and optimize the review process by zeroing in on critical content.

Students can use generative AI to assist in preparing summaries of course content. Once notes are copied and pasted into the program, ChapGPT can provide a summary that fits whatever format the student needs, from “basic” to “detailed.” Generative AI can even be prompted to create flashcards from provided content that students can use in the test prep process.

Use AI to drive adaptive learning

One of the more exciting applications of AI in the educational space is related to its ability to empower adaptive learning. By leveraging AI to analyze user data, digital learning platforms can deliver personalized learning experiences focused on the user’s unique needs.

Adaptive programs steer students toward the concepts and information with which they are struggling, rather than forcing them through a standardized lesson that may not serve their unique needs. They can also use data analysis to ensure that students grasp the core concepts that they will actually be expected to know, rather than spending valuable prep time off-topic on material that will not help them score well on exams.

On a basic level, any student can use AI to make their exam prep more adaptive. As their prep work reveals the areas in which they are struggling, they can direct AI to develop notes and other study aids that lean heavily in that direction. If the content AI provides is not helpful, students can note that while asking for alternative explanations that are more effective. Entering a prompt like, “I didn’t understand that, can you explain it in a different way?” can help the student find the information that is truly helpful.

Using AI to improve test scores will require that educators and administrators avoid a Luddite approach in their engagement with the technology. By finding innovative ways to enhance education with AI, rather than building systems that protect against it, schools will better prepare students for a future that will undoubtedly require them to understand and engage with artificial intelligence.

About the author

Joseph Wilson is the co-founder of Studicata, a leading online educational preparatory platform for law school finals and the bar exam. Using the “explain it to me like I’m five years old” approach, Studicata strays away from traditional, convoluted legal prep courses by educating students in a streamlined, foolproof way. The platform has helped over 100,000 students with millions of video lecture minutes watched.