Teenagers have mature views on AI in schoolwork but want more guidance, Oxford study finds
Researchers say many students choose not to use AI for tasks and value teachers
Teenagers are taking a thoughtful approach to using artificial intelligence in education, according to new research from Oxford University Press.
The study, involving almost 4,000 young people aged 13 to 18 across the UK, found many students are not relying on AI for schoolwork and continue to value teachers in their development.
Researchers found that 72% of pupils chose not to use AI when given the option during a school task.
Dr Alexandra Tomescu, Head of Product AI at Oxford University Press, said the findings showed sophisticated attitudes about how the technology should be used in education.
She said: "When we asked students why they chose not to use AI, they spoke about wanting to have their own voice and wanting to be able to express their own opinions without interference."
Teens wanting to learn
The findings also suggest many young people see AI as a tool to support learning rather than to simply complete the work.
When asked what would help them learn more effectively, 44% preferred AI tools that helped them understand a subject better, while 41% favoured systems that guided them towards answers through questioning.
Just 20% said they wanted an AI tool to provide answers straight away.
Dr Tomescu said this reflected an understanding that growth comes from working through problems independently.
She said: "Students have that understanding of what we call in education productive struggle - trying to find the answer on your own and getting a little bit of guidance, but really doing the work yourself. That's actually where the learning happens."
The role of teachers
Despite their openness to AI, students still placed significant value on teachers.
More than three-quarters (77%) said they would like their teachers to use AI tools in lessons to support learning, while 73% identified qualities they believe artificial intelligence cannot replace.
Dr Tomescu said one of the strongest takeaways from the research was how much students appreciate the relationship they have with their teachers.
She said: "Their teachers have personalities that bring the subject to life. They can see when a student has had a bad day or when they don't understand something.
"They can really intervene and look at the whole person, which I think is a really nice message."
Uncertainty around AI
While students appear comfortable with AI's growing role in education, many remain unsure about how and when it should be used.
Only 15% said they had been given enough help by their school on the appropriate use of AI tools.
The research also found mixed views on what constitutes cheating.
While 44% of students said using AI to complete all of their homework would be cheating, almost one in five believed it was cheating simply to ask an AI tool for homework tips.
Dr Tomescu said clearer direction from schools could address this.
She said: "Students do want to use AI, and we know they would like their teachers to use more of it in the classroom.
"But they think it's important to be given guidance and to make sure that when they do use it, they use it productively."
Key takeaways
The study found teachers remain the biggest influence on whether students use AI for schoolwork.
More than a third of pupils said they would be more likely to use AI for homework if their teacher told them it was appropriate, compared with around one in ten who said they would be influenced by friends.
Researchers also found that 39% of students were more excited than worried about the impact of AI on their education, compared with 16% who were more concerned.
Dr Tomescu said the research was carried out because young people's views are often missing from discussions about AI in schools.
"We hear a lot about how AI could negatively influence education and a young person's development," she said.
"I think it's really important for us to actually go and ask young people what they think and what they feel when it comes to this new technology."