AI era demands new approach to student assessment – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education demands a new approach to student assessment, as teachers face increasing challenges in determining whether students’ work reflects their own understanding and effort or is substantially produced by AI.

The Head of State made this revelation in a post on his social media page at the height of Teachers’ Day celebrations, seeking to bring greater attention to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education.

According to the Guyanese leader, the world of AI is bringing about a significant shift in education and changing how students understand and engage with basic lessons.

“Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, is changing how knowledge is accessed, understood and produced. Used wisely, it can assist teachers in preparing lessons, developing educational materials, adapting instruction to individual needs and making learning more interactive and engaging. But technology can never replace the teacher. It cannot replace the wisdom, judgement, empathy and understanding of a teacher.”

Using this as the basis of his remarks, President Ali said AI cannot replace the encouragement given to a struggling student, the recognition of a child’s potential, or the patience required to help students overcome difficulties. He noted that AI also presents new challenges for assessing students’ work.

“Teachers must increasingly determine whether an assignment reflects a student’s own understanding and effort or has been substantially produced by AI. This requires us to rethink not only how we assess learning, but what learning means in an age of artificial intelligence.”

Appreciation & gratitude

Amid the observance of World Teachers’ Day, President Ali extended his appreciation and gratitude to teachers, past and present, for their invaluable contribution to children and the development of the country. The Head of State noted that this year’s observance comes at a time when Guyana’s education system is undergoing significant transformation, with classrooms rapidly evolving through the integration of smart classrooms, digital technologies, online resources and AI.

He said while these developments present extraordinary opportunities for education, they also bring new challenges for teachers.

“The answer is not to reject technology, but to teach our children to use it responsibly, ethically and intelligently—to question information rather than simply accept it, to understand answers rather than merely obtain them, and to exercise sound judgement about when and how technology should be used.”

However, President Ali stressed that teachers must also be well equipped for this journey, requiring a new level of pedagogical readiness.

“Our teachers must continually upgrade their knowledge and skills. Teachers must equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and understanding of how new technologies work and, more importantly, how they can be used to improve learning. Our teachers must also remain central to educating, empowering and inspiring the next generation. I urge all teachers to continue to inspire minds, shape character and help build the Guyana of tomorrow.”

President Ali said his Government remains committed to providing teachers with greater access to training, professional development and the resources needed to equip them with the competencies required for the classroom of the future.

He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to better pay, improved allowances, grants to support teaching and learning, increased training opportunities and measures aimed at boosting morale among teachers.

Only in August this year, the Guyana Times reported that the Ministry of Education had announced plans to expand the Guyana Digital School (GDS) to accommodate learners across additional grade levels. The platform was initially opened to students in Grades 10 and 11, attracting more than 20,000 students from across the Caribbean, with the Ministry subsequently committing to expanding access to learners in other grades.

Important role of teachers

Similarly, in a related comment, Education Minister Sonia Parag took to social media to express her appreciation to teachers across Guyana.

In a video posted on her social media pages, Parag emphasised the important role teachers play in shaping children’s lives and highlighted their contribution to the development of society.

“As we observe World Teachers Day, I cannot emphasise enough the important role that a teacher plays in shaping a child’s life… We have long recognised that this is a profession that plays such an important role in the development of society.”

Parag said the hard work of teachers in Guyana has not gone unnoticed, particularly the lengths teachers have taken to ensure children are abreast with respective topics in schools, most especially where long term influence is concerned.

“I wish to thank all of those amazing teachers who go above and beyond for their students, because I know many of you take your students’ successes personally. I have always believed that when a teacher enters a classroom, that teacher is not just an instructor. And I’ve also believed that when a child enters a classroom for the first time, that a teacher has the opportunity to positively influence that child.”

She added, “Beyond their professional development, there is also personal development, because many of you are not just teachers, you’re also parents, and many of you are now homeowners as well. Many of you are parents who are also benefiting from the Because We Care cash grant for your children who are in the school system. And as we observe World Teachers Day today, I wish you all the success in the school year 2026-2027.”

As of November 2025, it was reported that the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) had produced more than 6,000 trained teachers since 2020, with the latest cohort of 1,345 newly trained educators now joining the teaching profession.