Skip to main content

This is not another moan about the perils of ChatGPT, or teeth-gnashing about the inexorable takeover of AI. It is a quick expression of a genuine concern about the potential losses to learning that could attend useful tools like ChatGPT if it becomes a classroom mainstay.

I suspect that ChatGPT, and the AI revolution, like most ground-breaking tech innovations, will change lots of things. But we will quickly assimilate those changes, adapting AI to suit our long-standing needs. The likes of education may well not be as dramatically different as we may hope or worry about.

Despite being confident in how we can adapt and use ChatGPT and AI for our betterment, I am worried – from an educator’s perspective – that it could be significantly damaging to learning.

How might ChatGPT hamper learning?

Learning to read and write, or do algebra problems, is cognitively demanding for pupils of all ages. Reading to learn about the great religions, or the Norman Conquest, is without a doubt a tricky, effortful act. And let’s be honest, the average teenager would be happy with a shortcut.

There is an imagined future where AI does all the hard work for our pupils and university students. The International Baccalaureate has already accepted Chat GPT can be used by pupils if they reference that help accurately. Maybe it will even become integral to schooling and even trump the Internet?

AI tools will be able to write thoughtful, creative stories, or generate balanced arguments about the impact of the Norman Conquest at the click of a button.

In short, it may do a lot of the hard thinking for us.

And therein lies the problem.

Learning happens when we think hard.

Pupils needs to grapple with new words – write them down, struggle with them, look them up, use them badly, get feedback, and then use them better. They need to write flawed stories filled with errors and clumsy expression, thereby learning how to edit and adapt their writing, so that they ultimately find their own unique voice. They need to grapple with selecting evidence from a variety of sources to compose a decent essay on the impact of the Normans.

More than the Internet ever could, AI tools like ChatGPT can do all these things. But it will shortcut learning if we allow that in the classroom. The notion of ‘Just Google It!’ is a long-standing misnomer. It misunderstands that the effortful act of learning, and how we gradually build rich storehouse of cognitive connections through effort, failures, and success.

If we replace extended reading of tricky texts with short, accurate AI answers, we could hamper learning.

If we replace making notes, planning, drafting, editing, and revising a history essay, with speedily generated AI answers, we could hamper learning.

If we stop handwriting notes, and instead get ChatGPT to generate those notes for us, we could hamper learning.

Our problem may be that we are confusing learning with the final end-product, and not the effortful thinking that was necessary to create it, which is where learning happens.

I use ChatGPT – it is helpful in a variety of ways. I am no Luddite. But I worry that if we are not careful, it may get overused in education and go on to damage our ability to learn.

Source

CHASCA

Just left us a 5 star review

google

Charm has been an excellent collaborator, going above and beyond to help me find a suitable role. He has been supportive in addressing any concerns I have had, working diligently to find solutions that are beneficial for me. Thankyou for your efforts!

google

Excellent quality service

google

My line manager is Charm and he couldn't have been more patient, supportive, proactive, and professional. Been with many agencies, it's hard to find a place where you get treated with respect. Very glad I joined.

google

Principal Education is the best agency I have worked and working with since I arrive in the UK. One of their staff named Charm is a wonderful person, he's a good listener and find solution to every problem or challenge you face at work. He's the most patient and understanding person I have met. He never goes angry, instead he provide solution and ensures you get the best of your request. Most importantly you get paid at the right time.

google

Jai Bance was fantastic, got me an interview for a job I really wanted very quickly and was super supportive throughout the process, complete angel :)

google

Jai has been of excellent help! he was quick, attentive and adamant in successfully finding and pairing me with the current role and sector that I am working at! I could have not felt anymore supported from the team at Principal Education!

google

This is probably the best agency I have joined , and I have joined a few. The pay, staff and work environment are all so professional and welcoming. They always have a new opportunity ready for you. I really recommended them!!!

google

Principal education has been reliable ever since I started working with the company. I have been constantly in work, my pay rate has been substantial, not to mention the service overall, has been professional. Jai Bance, who is one of the agents that ensured I get suitable locations that will get me to work on time, moreover, the work that he has placed me in has helped to enhance my skills in my profession.

google

Great work from Charm Dube! Super helpful and polite.

google

Jade was amazing! Helped me get through a long process and was always happy to help with positive energy as well as finding solutions.

google

Good agency, Charm was brill.

google

I can’t thanks Charm enough for finding me an amazing job !!!! Recommend 100% Thank you sooo much

google

Happy with the service I’ve received from a professional and approachable team. Found work quickly, with an excellent rate of pay. Feel looked after. Glad I registered with this agency!!

google

Principal Recruitment is one of the best supply agency that I have worked and still working with at present, they are very effective with their dealings. Jai has been so good to me since I joined the company by giving me a listen ear. His communication skill is top notch to the extent that I have also referred people to him.

google

Excellent, Charm was a very helpful and organised person I really enjoy working with him. He is very responsible and respectful. I hope he will be very successful in his job.

google

It’s been amazing working with this agency. They’re all very professional and helpful especially Charm and Jai.

google

Principal Education is a great organisation . I really enjoyed working with them. A dedicated, professional and amazing team. I have no doubt to strongly recommend it to everyone.

google

Charm is a good recruiter, awesome company to work through, assigned to some good schools as well; a streamlined service.

google

Charm has been proactive in searching for a suitable teaching role, consulting me to review my specific requirements and being available for calls and flexible with times.

google

Charm has been very helpful and attentive. He has worked hard to find the right job role to match my experience and skills.

google

I have been working with Charm for the past month and he has been excellent at finding opportunities that are tailored to exactly my skill set and preferences. He keeps in constant contact to update me with how things are progressing, feedback and has been successful in finding me the right school for me. Very dedicated and driven to find the exact work for you, I would highly recommend this agency and Charm in particular.

google

The service I received from someone named Connor at the agency has been unbelievably incredible. He kept me updated on all the details, kept regular contact, made sure everything was transparent and made my needs a priority. Connor ensured I received the best possible rate and confirmed all the details so I felt secure once we had discussed this. I am registered with a few agencies (which haven't been so great) but I no longer need the others because I have been treated so well and got the job I wanted straight away. Very pleased with Principal :)

google

I have had plenty of work through Principal Recruitment. Charm is brilliant and has found me suitable assignments and is always reachable should I have any questions. Right now I’m doing an assignment at a lovely, local secondary school and I really look forward to going to work there. Thank you Charm. I can wholeheartedly recommend Principal Recruitment.

google

Charm has been really helpful, he helped me find a school that works for me, that I’m comfortable with. Communicates well, I appreciate how he’s helped me.

google

Really helpful and friendly. Supportive with finding work opportunities. Thank you Charm!

google

The app is very useful to see the job role & location, very good pay rates. Consultants very helpful and supportive!

google

The agency has been really good. Charm has been helpful very supportive.

google

Signed up for this agency and since then, their communication has been amazing and take into considerations my work needs as well! Recommend working here for others as well:)! Charm has been amazing helping me as well so kudos!

google

As a new member of staff joining the staff team at Principle has been a quick and easy process and understanding in the needs required for suitable work

google

Wonderful staff both in Essex and London. Charm from the North London office is always informative, patient, focused and understanding. No false promises, completes the work and goes the extra mile. Nadine Somers-Music Teacher

google

Good communication by Jai. Anyone can trust to enter into schools and work .

google

With Principal I am working locally and I am happy with them as they always have managed my timesheets according to my availabilities and so on. I am really happy and Love working with this company, staff are great and so supportive. They make sure that you are comfortable with where you are working and that you are okay to travel.

google

Updated*2023 Aired my issues and concerns and they more then made up for it. My complaint was handled well.

google

Been a behaviour mentor for 4 years and I've been unlucky enough to have only worked with jai bance for the past 3 months. In those 3 months he's managed to get me my current highest paying roll as a temp & secured me a contract within my first school working with principle. In general I'm not a big fan of recruitment agencies as they often only view candidates as a pound note but these guys know the roles (in detail so your not walking blind) support you through the many challenges you will face as a temporary worker but most importantly the pays fair and its always payed on time. Cheers for all the help principle.

google

Amazing helped to get the job I want in instant And was helpful throughout

google

Principal solution has been brilliant. Great work ethics lovely caring staff especially Jai, he has been patient, supportive and professional. I was delighted with the level of personal attention I received. I have been very pleased with the agency and would definitely recommend them to anyone considering them.

google

The agency onboarding process to being offered a suitable assignment was seamless and fast. I would recommend Principal agency to others seeking work. It has been a pleasure liaising with Jai, Head of Sales

google

Principal Education brings with it a huge amount of experience from its Team and a commitment to making Supply Teaching Placements easier to manage with higher rates of pay! Sign Up now!!

google

Fantastic. Highly recommend

google

Simple and efficient, got started with Principal recently and already got well paying work within days. Hoping the agency continues to deliver and remain hassle free.

google

I had my first agency job and within minutes of arriving I felt very well looked after as it was my first time at this school. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the agency.