Turning Risks of Cheating with AI into Opportunities for Better Teaching

Abstract

Many law school faculty are concerned that students may misuse artificial intelligence (AI) tools to undermine their learning and violate academic integrity policies.  Although some students will inevitably cheat, faculty can reduce the risk – and improve student learning – by rethinking assignment design and classroom communication.

This article frames the risk of AI-related cheating as an opportunity for pedagogical improvement.  It offers practical strategies to help faculty design assignments that enhance student learning, promote good decision-making, discourage inappropriate AI use, and foster responsible AI literacy.  It outlines approaches consistent with the ABA’s new requirement for formative assessment throughout the curriculum as well as the realities of AI in legal practice.

Keywords: AI in legal education, academic integrity, student cheating, assignment design, formative assessment, artificial intelligence, AI, legal education, law school pedagogy, responsible AI use, student decision-making, ABA standards