Overview
- Researchers who followed about 27,000 Chinese students found those who used AI tools raised homework scores by roughly 18% over six months while scoring about 20% lower on exams taken without AI.
- Around four in five pupils in the study reported using domestic AI tools such as Doubao and DeepSeek, matching other surveys showing very high AI adoption among secondary and university students.
- Smaller experiments from 2024–25 and a neuroscience study at MIT previously showed similar patterns: AI helps practice and produce work faster but often fails to build durable recall or deep engagement.
- Regulators and university reports say institutions cannot reliably detect AI use and that many assessments still allow students to use tools, creating incentives to lean on AI rather than master material.
- The new large study adds weight to policy calls for redesigned tests, more in‑person or closed‑book assessments, and clearer guidance on responsible AI use, though the study’s full findings had not been independently verified at publication.