Since ChatGPT can engage in conversation and
generate essays and graphs that closely resemble those
created by humans, educators worry students may use it
to cheat. The main reason students cheat is their academic
motivation. Sometimes they are just motivated to get a high
grade, whereas other times they wish to learn all that they
can about a topic. The decision to cheat or not often relates
to how academic assignments and tests are constructed and
assessed, not on the availability of technological shortcuts.
Research demonstrates that students are more likely to
cheat when assignments are designed in ways that encourage
them to outperform their classmates. There is less cheating
when teachers assign academic tasks that prompt them to
work collaboratively and to focus on mastering content instead
of getting a good grade.
An important way to boost students’ confidence is to
provide them with opportunities to experience success. For
example, suppose students are asked to attempt to design
a hypothetical vehicle that can use gasoline more efficiently
than a traditional car. Students who struggle with the project
can use ChatGPT to break down the larger problem into
smaller challenges or tasks. ChatGPT might suggest they first
develop an overall concept for the vehicle before determining
the size and weight of the vehicle and deciding what type
of fuel will be used. Teachers could also ask students to
compare the steps suggested by ChatGPT with steps that are
recommended by other sources.
(Kui Xie e Eric M. Anderman. http://www.theconversation.com.
06.06.2023. Adaptado)