I think there is a STEM vs non-STEM divide in the current utility of AI among students. See below from ChstGPT. I agree with clarifying misconceptions. Students are afraid to be wrong in a class.
Yes, empirical studies have examined the impact of ChatGPT on high school students' learning outcomes since its release. The findings are mixed, highlighting both potential benefits and challenges associated with its use in educational settings.
Positive Impacts on Learning
1. Enhanced Physics Understanding
A study involving 167 high school students assessed ChatGPT's role in learning physics concepts. Students reported that ChatGPT helped deepen their understanding, correct misconceptions, and made learning more enjoyable. However, the study focused on student perceptions rather than objective performance metrics.
ResearchGate
2. Improved Practice Problem Performance
An experiment with Turkish high school students found that those using a modified version of ChatGPT, designed to provide hints rather than direct answers, solved 127% more math practice problems correctly compared to those without AI assistance. Despite this, there was no significant improvement in their subsequent test scores, suggesting that while AI can aid practice, it may not enhance actual learning outcomes.
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Challenges and Concerns
1. Overreliance Leading to Reduced Test Performance
The same Turkish study noted that students who used ChatGPT during practice sessions scored 17% lower on tests than those who didn't use the tool. This suggests that overreliance on AI for answers may hinder deep learning and retention.
2. Declining Academic Performance and Memory
Research indicates that excessive use of ChatGPT can lead to increased procrastination, memory loss, and lower academic performance among students. Students facing high academic workload and time pressure were more likely to use ChatGPT, which in turn negatively impacted their learning outcomes.
SpringerOpen
3. Ethical Concerns and Academic Integrity
A significant number of high school students have used ChatGPT for assignments, raising concerns about academic integrity. Educators have reported challenges in detecting AI-generated work, and there's an ongoing debate about the ethical implications of AI use in schools.
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Implications for Educators
The integration of ChatGPT into high school education presents both opportunities and challenges. While it can be a valuable tool for enhancing understanding and providing practice support, overreliance may impede genuine learning and critical thinking. Educators are encouraged to:
- Promote Responsible Use: Teach students how to use AI tools ethically and effectively, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and independent problem-solving.
- Integrate AI Thoughtfully: Use ChatGPT as a supplementary tool rather than a primary source of information, ensuring it complements traditional teaching methods.
- Monitor and Assess: Regularly evaluate the impact of AI tools on student learning and adjust strategies accordingly to mitigate potential negative effects.
By adopting a balanced approach, educators can harness the benefits of ChatGPT while minimizing its drawbacks, fostering an environment that supports both technological advancement and academic integrity.
You said:
What about AI use among high school students in non-stem classes, such as English, literature, history, and philosophy
ChatGPT said:

Yes, empirical studies have examined the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on high school students in non-STEM subjects such as English, literature, history, and philosophy. These studies reveal both potential benefits and challenges associated with AI integration in these disciplines.
English & Literature
Writing Skills and Vocabulary Development
A study involving 10th-grade Turkish EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students explored the effects of ChatGPT-integrated English lessons on writing skills and vocabulary development. The findings indicated that while students had positive perceptions of ChatGPT, traditional instruction was more effective in enhancing writing and vocabulary skills. The study suggests that ChatGPT can serve as a supplementary tool but should not replace conventional teaching methods.
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Brainstorming and Drafting Assistance
Educators have observed that students use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm topics, organize ideas, and edit their papers. While AI can aid in the initial stages of writing, educators emphasize the importance of developing critical thinking and AI literacy to evaluate and effectively use AI-generated content.
ASU News
History
Historical Narrative Writing
A study examined the use of ChatGPT in generating historical narratives and compared them to student-written narratives. The research highlighted concerns that reliance on AI-generated content might diminish students' emphasis on critical thinking and increase the risk of plagiarism. The study underscores the need for alternative assessment approaches to demonstrate historical understanding.
MDPI
Philosophy
While direct empirical studies on AI use in high school philosophy classes are limited, educators advocate for the integration of AI tools to enhance critical thinking and ethical reasoning. The humanities, including philosophy, play a crucial role in teaching skills like critical analysis and empathy, which are increasingly important in the AI era. Educators suggest that AI can be used to simulate philosophical dialogues or debates, providing students with opportunities to engage in deeper analysis and reflection.
District Administration
Ethical Considerations
The use of AI tools in non-STEM subjects raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding academic integrity. Instances of students using AI to complete assignments have been reported, leading to challenges in detecting AI-generated work and ensuring fair assessments. Educators emphasize the importance of establishing clear guidelines and promoting responsible AI use to maintain academic standards.
New York Post
Implications for Educators
To effectively integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into non-STEM high school subjects, educators might consider the following strategies:
- Promote AI Literacy: Teach students how to critically evaluate AI-generated content and understand its limitations.
- Integrate Thoughtfully: Use AI as a supplementary tool to enhance learning, not as a replacement for traditional teaching methods.
- Establish Clear Guidelines: Develop policies on acceptable AI use to uphold academic integrity.
- Encourage Critical Engagement: Design assignments that require students to analyze and critique AI-generated content, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.
By thoughtfully incorporating AI tools into the curriculum, educators can enhance learning experiences while addressing potential challenges associated with their use.