Teachers fear students using AI could dupe Leaving Cert continuous assessments

An overwhelming majority of teachers in Ireland of Leaving Cert subjects with new Additional Assessment Components (AACs) expect difficulties verifying that the work has been completed solely by students, according to a ASTI/ REDC survey published on Tuesday.

An Additional Assessment Component is coursework done throughout the year e.g. projects, portfolios of work, Oral presentations etc.

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Students sitting the Leaving Cert in 2027 will complete an AAC worth at least 40% of their final grade in nine new and revised subjects as part of the new Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme.

The nature of AACs varies across subjects, but can involve students writing and submitting a report based on a project or research they have undertaken.

Most teachers of AACs believe allocating 20% or less, instead of 40%, to AACs would be more appropriate.

Safety concerns

Teachers of biology, chemistry and physics report that lack of laboratory facilities, lack of space for storage of materials/ equipment/ projects relating to the AACs, and difficulties managing laboratory safety and monitoring experiments during AAC practical investigations are amongst their concerns, the survey has found.

While nine new and revised subjects will be assessed as part of Leaving Cert 2027, over the coming years, all remaining Leaving Cert subjects are being revised and will be implemented in schools. All subjects will have an AAC worth a minimum of 40% of students’ final Leaving Cert grades.

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Student stress

When asked what most concerned them about the new AACs, teachers of biology, business, chemistry and physics rated increased stress for students and increased workload for students as amongst their top concerns.

“Teachers believe the cumulative workload and stress for students completing AACs will have a negative impact on their wellbeing, especially given the lack of clarity surrounding what is acceptable use of AI,” said ASTI President Padraig Curley.

Teacher workload

Out of 1,591 classroom teachers, principals and deputy principals who completed the survey, only 44% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current duties and work environment.

A high percentage (69%) said they regularly or occasionally consider leaving teaching; 46% said they could see themselves leaving in the future. Teacher workload and stress were the main reasons given.

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“The research finds that teachers are facing the challenges of curricular transformation, new assessment demands, and expanding administrative loads without corresponding professional development supports, preparation/ administration time or school resources.

“Teachers perceive a widening gap between what is expected of them and what is feasible within the realities of timetables, school resources, and the working day.”