Embracing AI in Education: Understanding the Surge in Large Language Model Use by Secondary Students

TL;DR

This study investigates the widespread use of large language models by secondary students, revealing high adoption rates and diverse subject usage, while highlighting challenges and opportunities for educational integration.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on student LLM usage and proposes tailored solutions like subject-specific models and AI classrooms to enhance educational equity.

Findings

70% of students have used LLMs despite restrictions

Students use LLMs across multiple subjects

Concerns about LLM accuracy and hallucinations

Abstract

The impressive essay writing and problem-solving capabilities of large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT have opened up new avenues in education. Our goal is to gain insights into the widespread use of LLMs among secondary students to inform their future development. Despite school restrictions, our survey of over 300 middle and high school students revealed that a remarkable 70% of students have utilized LLMs, higher than the usage percentage among young adults, and this percentage remains consistent across 7th to 12th grade. Students also reported using LLMs for multiple subjects, including language arts, history, and math assignments, but expressed mixed thoughts on their effectiveness due to occasional hallucinations in historical contexts and incorrect answers for lack of rigorous reasoning. The survey feedback called for LLMs better adapted for students, and also raised questions to developers and educators on how to help students from underserved communities leverage LLMs' capabilities for equal access to advanced education resources. We propose a few ideas to address such issues, including subject-specific models, personalized learning, and AI classrooms.