Due to the ongoing pandemic, most schools around the world remains closed, forcing the students and teachers to continue the learning process remotely. Before the whole world went into the phase of lockdown, the transformation of the education system was already in motion. In fact, we have witnessed the adoption of smart classes in a number of schools around the world.
If it wasn’t for the pandemic, we might have seen the application of artificial intelligence in schools on a large scale by now. In 2018, researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK) started using machine learning (a form of AI) and data from many students to categories learning difficulties in struggling students.
According to the data found by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Science Unit at the University of Cambridge, grouping students according to broad categories like ADHD and autism were not always accurate and helpful when working on the improvements of the learning outcomes of individuals. The algorithm further suggested that there far more specific difficulties associated with memory capacity and phonological skills.
The results provided by the algorithm try to explain where an individual student struggles while learning. Why some may need additional essay help or guidance with homework than others – these were explained with a better understanding of the areas of difficulties faced by young learners.
What Did the Researchers Find with the Help of AI?
In one of the recent studies conducted by the researchers at the University of Cambridge, they recruited 550 children who had been referred to a clinic to improve their academic performance. The team fed a computer algorithm with cognitive testing data from individual students, along with measures of spatial reasoning, listening skills, vocabulary, problem solving and memory.
After processing such data, the algorithm suggested that the students best fit into four clusters of difficulties –
- Difficulties with working memory skills
- Broad cognitive difficulties in many areas
- Difficulties with processing sound in words
- Typical cognitive test results for the student’s age
The term “difficulties with working memory” refers to the short-term retention and manipulation of information. Such form of learning difficulties has been associated with challenges in learning maths and with tasks such as following lists. The difficulties with processing sounds in words are associated with students’ struggle with reading.
The clusters closely aligned with other information on the children, such as their educational data on reading and math and the parents’ reports of their communication difficulties. Interestingly, no correspondence with their previous diagnoses was found. To ensure whether the groupings corresponded to biological differences or not, the groups were examined against magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans.
What Do the Findings Mean?
Earlier, researchers used to categories students areas like ADHD, dyslexia and autism based on the learning difficulties they faced. However, the study from Cambridge researchers asserted that such groupings do not hold when students are examined within a wider range of learning difficulties. As a matter of fact, the four areas of learning difficulties identified by the algorithm proved to be a more accurate evaluation of these students’ learning conditions.
Moreover, there is neuroscience to support the results produced by the AI algorithm. Brain scans revealed that the groupings mirrored patterns in a link within parts of children’s brains. It suggests that machine learning allowed the researchers to identify differences that partly reflect underlying biology.
What Are the Next Steps?
As the machine learning algorithm has produced credible data regarding the challenges faced by students in schools, educators and the school committees should start thinking about how to facilitate personalized learning experiences. This step will help meet the requirements of individual students and will allow them to deal with the difficulties with more effectiveness.
Also, the parents need to take an active part in this. As most schools and academic institutions in the world are now operating remotely, it is the duty of the parents to ensure that their kids are able to understand the lessons and properly process them. Moreover, they need to work hand in hand with the schools to better understand the learning difficulties faced by their kids and how they can overcome those odds.
Author bio: Aron Derekson is a high school teacher in Hobart, Australia. He is associated with the team of experts at MyAssignmenthelp.com, where he offers CDR Australia help to students on requests. He also loves to learn new things about the area of technology and innovation.
