Students’ Guide – Integrity Checklist

File: students-guide/05-integrity-checklist.md

◆ Introduction

AI can explain, quiz, and guide—but it cannot replace your own effort. True learning happens when you practise, reflect, and create. This checklist helps you use AI responsibly, ensuring your work remains independent and authentic.

◆ Why Integrity Matters

▸ Learning is personal: If AI does the work, you miss the chance to grow your own skills.
▸ Teachers can tell: Work that doesn’t match your voice or ability raises questions.
▸ Confidence comes from practice: Only by solving problems yourself will you be ready for tests, projects, and real‑world challenges.

AI guides. You decide.

◆ Risks of Misuse

✦ Copying answers: Asking AI to “do the homework” weakens your learning.
✦ Mismatch with class methods: AI may explain differently from your teacher, causing confusion.
✦ Over‑reliance: Depending on AI for every step prevents you from building independence.
✦ Skipping synthesis: Letting AI write essays or projects removes your own voice.

◆ Integrity Checklist

◆ Before Using AI

▸ Ask yourself: Do I want to understand, practise, or review?
▸ Frame prompts around learning goals, not finished answers.
▸ Keep your notes and textbooks nearby for comparison.

◆ During Use

▸ Pause after each AI response and explain it back in your own words.
▸ Attempt practice questions yourself before checking with AI.
▸ If AI’s explanation feels different from your teacher’s, note the difference and ask for clarification in class.

◆ After Use

▸ Check: Can I solve a similar problem without AI?
▸ Ensure essays, reports, or projects are written in your own words.
▸ Reflect: What did AI help me with? What did I learn on my own?
▸ If required, acknowledge AI support honestly (e.g., “I used AI to practise questions, but the final work is mine”).

◆ Senior Student Guidance

For older students, integrity also means using AI critically:
▸ Ask AI to challenge your arguments, not write them.
▸ Use AI to critique drafts, but revise in your own voice.
▸ Treat AI as a study partner, not a substitute for independent thought.

Example Prompt:
"Here is my essay draft. Analyse the logical flow and point out where I make claims without evidence. Do not rewrite—just critique."

◆ Final Reminder

Integrity is about honesty with yourself and your learning. AI can support you, but it cannot replace your effort, creativity, or responsibility.

AI guides. You decide.