AI achieves top scores in Finnish national matriculation exams surprising educators

Recent examinations in Finland revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) achieved top scores in the national matriculation exams, surprising educators with its performance in mathematics and French, as well as demonstrating strong writing skills in the Finnish language. AI garnered laudatur, the highest grade, in both mathematics and French, alongside a magna grade in Finnish text skills. Teachers acknowledged the AI’s reasoning abilities and extensive vocabulary but expressed a desire for more human-like qualities and uniqueness in the responses.

Mathematics teacher Janne Nykänen believes that AI could surpass human capabilities in teaching mathematics within the next two years, while Finnish language teacher Eija Paso warns of potential risks to students’ learning if AI is overly relied upon. Both educators reflected on the importance of human interaction and the need for authentic student voice in education.

The AI’s performance was part of a trial by Yleisradio (YLE), where it took standardized tests created earlier that spring without the knowing involvement of teachers grading the responses. The experiment highlighted the efficacy of AI in a competitive educational context, though it also raised questions about its integration into future learning environments. In particular, teachers noted that while high accuracy was achieved, the lack of personal insight in the AI’s composition was noteworthy, indicating a potential gap in effective emotional learning.

The teachers concluded that while AI exhibited impressive capabilities, it also necessitates careful consideration in educational applications to ensure it supports rather than replaces human teaching and learning dynamics.