Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionises education by offering powerful assistance in research, writing, and problem-solving. In Singapore, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has taken a forward-looking stance, introducing the AI in Education Ethics Framework that emphasises principles of agency, fairness, inclusivity, and safety, and is easily accessible to teachers via Student Learning Space (SLS). This is part of the Smart Nation initiative’s ongoing push for digital literacy. Through platforms like SLS, students benefit from AI-enabled learning, with built-in guardrails against misuse .
At the centre of this dialogue is Jerry Lee, Co‑Founder of Grade Solution Learning Centre, which offers tuition in English, Chinese, Math, and Science. Jerry and his team developed Adaptably™, an AI-driven learning platform designed specifically for Singapore’s curriculum.
When AI Shortcuts Become Short Circuits
AI misuse isn’t just about shortcuts—it can erode fundamental cognitive development. As Jerry Lee cautions:
“Over‑reliance on AI at a young age can hinder the development of crucial skills such as analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and problem‑solving.”
This echoes findings from global educational research and concerns shared by MOE, which emphasises that misuse may lead to misinformation and stunted critical thinking. Educators have observed students bypass vital learning steps, resulting in lower confidence when faced with unfamiliar or complex problems.
Common Pitfalls: How Students Misuse AI
Students are increasingly falling into several traps with AI:
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Copy-pasting whole assignments, bypassing the thought process.
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Solving math questions without reflecting on methods or logic.
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Paraphrasing essays and reports, losing voice and original insight.
These behaviours make telltale signs: awkward phrasing, superficial content, and formatting that seems externally generated . Worse still, students may feel unprepared when AI-generated answers don’t neatly match exam demands.
Reframing AI: From Crutch to Thinking Partner
Jerry Lee stresses the importance of using AI as a tool, not a crutch:
“When you use AI as a thinking partner, you’re actively exploring new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.”
How can this be done?
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Encourage AI for brainstorming, vocabulary help, or self-quizzing, but not for complete essay writing.
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After AI assists, ask students to explain outputs in their own words or justify their reasoning.
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Include reflection prompts, summaries, or oral presentations to ensure comprehension.
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Focus on evaluating AI suggestions, teaching students to challenge and refine what the AI proposes.
This intentional engagement supports analytical skills, self-regulation, and deeper learning—exactly the competencies MOE aims to foster.
What Parents Can Do to Tackle AI Misuse
Parental guidance remains the first and strongest line of defense. Jerry Lee recommends to:
- “Explore AI tools yourself so you can guide your child to use them the right way.”
- “Teach kids to verify AI outputs and use AI for idea generation, not homework completion.”
- “Help your child understand that struggle is part of learning—that effort leads to growth.”
Here’s how parents can act:
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Discuss AI use openly. Refer to theAsianparent’s guide, which shows that only 47% of parents have talked to their teens about AI misuse despite 80% of teens using it weekly.
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Set tech boundaries at home: prohibit AI for take-home tests or full essay writing.
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Model smart usage: show children how to ask AI thoughtful questions and critically evaluate its responses.
What Educators Can Do to Reinforce Responsible AI Use
Here are some suggestions for schools:
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Implement AI-specific rules in assignments—clarifying when and how AI may be used.
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Combine written work with oral assessments or reflective journals to validate learning.
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Use SLS and tools like Adaptably™ to enhance feedback and personalization without encouraging shortcut learning.
Adaptably™: Aligning AI with Educational Objectives
Developed by Grade Solution Learning Centre, Adaptably™ represents a responsible approach to AI in education.
Unlike general tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly, Adaptably™:
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Evaluates student answers based on intent and curriculum relevance.
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Flags correct grammar that misrepresents original meaning.
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Tracks student progress and suggests targeted questions for improvement.
Jerry Lee notes:
“Adaptably™ acts as a personalised learning coach, removing the guesswork for both students and parents by pinpointing the areas that will yield the biggest breakthroughs in exam performance.”
This ensures that AI serves learning, not just performance.
Teaching AI Literacy Before AI Dependency
AI is transforming education, but only thoughtful, guided use allows students to truly benefit. Through Singapore’s MOE Ethics Framework, educator training, and tools like Adaptably™, schools are equipping students to use AI in ways that build, not bypass, essential skills.
By working together—parents as guides, teachers as facilitators, and students as active thinkers—Singapore can cultivate a new generation capable of harnessing AI responsibly. Because ultimately, the goal is not just answers—it’s empowered learners who know how to think.
