Homework in the age of AI

My teenage years were filled with assignments in class and at home, and doing homework was then a method of recalling information, as well as cultivating patience on the journey of discovering knowledge.

But with the advent and explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), answers appear instantly with just a command. The challenge is how teachers can maintain the role of homework in this context?

THE STUDENT'S WORK, WHOSE ANSWER?

As an English speaker, practice exercises help me reinforce what I've learned. Even now, I can still remember and present content I learned in middle school, such as the present tense or irregular verbs, all thanks in no small part to my homework, even though it was sometimes boring. It's safe to say that homework has helped me progress on my journey to mastering the language.

The author presents a reflection on what is clear and unclear about the activities of the YSEALI program.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

When I started teaching English, assignments became a powerful tool for me to assess my students' abilities. Through each sentence, mistake, word usage, etc., I could identify knowledge gaps, thereby shaping the content and methods of teaching more effectively. Therefore, I still incorporate practice exercises during and after each lesson for my students.

One point I always remind my students is to limit the use of AI when doing assignments; at the same time, I discuss and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using AI to encourage learners to think proactively and form ideas. However, what worries me is that there are still answers that bear the strong imprint of AI and completely lack individual effort.

For example, a student with average abilities might get most of the vocabulary questions right in the homework assignment. However, when I changed the questions and asked for feedback during class, this student couldn't make connections and often forgot what they had learned. Furthermore, the way the student presented their work resembled AI feedback, such as bolding answers in fill-in-the-blank questions.

In another instance, a student with relatively good abilities was able to fluently deliver the answer in their homework assignment. It turned out they had prepared the answer beforehand and then used AI to edit and record their speech. In class, students sometimes hesitated and their answers were less fluent compared to their homework assignments.

Anh Tuan (fourth from the right) visits and participates in an experiential learning program at the Children's Healing Art Project (USA).

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

Intuitively, I could conclude that the student's work involved AI intervention and could even use tools to check it. However, I wouldn't arbitrarily question my students about this, because their reliance on AI reflects many underlying issues: anxiety about not completing the assignment, fear that their ideas aren't good, lack of self-confidence, and even apprehension towards the teacher and the class.

As someone preparing for exams, my responsibility is to understand and address those concerns and design more effective exercises, not to find fault.

FOR LEARNING AND PRACTICE

In the context of widespread AI applications, the role and significance of assignments remain. The challenge is to reshape the way assignments are maintained and evaluated so that learners have space to truly learn and practice.

One viable approach is personalization. Assignments could focus on the learner's experience, such as recounting their first time using an English learning app, or describing their study habits. I also require students to record themselves at home to analyze the content and elements discussed in class. In this way, the assignment is no longer about demonstrating memorization but becomes a lesson in expressive ability.

When "homework" is more than just homework

According to research by Fatemeh Cheraghi and Mehrak Rahimi published in the journal SAGE Open in 2024, many scholars agree that homework is a powerful tool for improving English language skills, especially due to its ability to provide daily practice.

Beyond reinforcing grammar and vocabulary, these exercises expand reading and writing skills and foster self-learning habits. In the initial stages, memorization exercises help learners master fundamental grammar and basic vocabulary. At higher levels, the exercises shift towards applying skills flexibly, such as paragraph writing, reading comprehension, and text analysis.

Research also indicates that personalized assignments, with teacher feedback and linked to real-life experiences, lead to more significant progress in learners. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that assignments involving exploration , projects, or hands-on practice increase motivation and language proficiency.

In other words, homework is not just a task, but an opportunity to transform knowledge into skills, helping learners develop thinking habits, and ultimately truly live with the foreign language.

In an age where AI can quickly provide answers, the evaluation process needs to go beyond the result and focus more on the process. I often suggest that students attach process notes, not to control them, but to help them reflect on their thinking and compare their initial and revised versions. As students see progress through each stage, homework becomes an opportunity for reflection rather than an obligation.

I also advocate for a more mindful use of AI. In most classes, I repeatedly remind students to clearly indicate which parts of their assignments they rely on AI assistance for. During homework review sessions, I often spend time comparing the AI's feedback with their own revisions to highlight strengths and weaknesses, and encourage them to avoid over-reliance on AI.

Ultimately, the relationship between AI and humans is inseparable, so guiding learners to use this tool correctly is better than prohibiting it.

Ultimately, the most important thing, in my opinion, is not to eliminate AI from the classroom, but to guide learners on how to retain their "human" side in the learning journey. That includes curiosity, patience, and the joy of discovering answers for themselves.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bai-tap-ve-nha-thoi-ai-185251114185159046.htm