In a rather unexpected turn of events, ChatGPT, the AI sensation developed by OpenAI, recently faced a formidable challenge when tasked with tackling questions from Singapore's sixth-grade exams, also known as the Primary School Leaving Exam (PSLE). Let's dive into the details of how ChatGPT performed and why it left many scratching their heads.
ChatGPT's Battle with Mathematics
Picture this: ChatGPT was presented with questions from the PSLE's 2020, 2021, and 2022 mathematics papers, and the results were far from stellar. It averaged a meager 16 out of 100 marks across these papers. But the real surprise came when questions involved diagrams or graphs - ChatGPT couldn't make head or tail of them, earning a big fat zero for its efforts.
Now, let's talk about basic arithmetic. When asked to add up 60,000, 5,000, 400, and 3, ChatGPT confidently replied with 65,503. Unfortunately, the correct answer is 65,403. However, in a twist of fate, when Insider gave the same question a shot, ChatGPT nailed it. It's like the AI had its own mood swings!
Mixed Bag in Science and English
When it came to science, ChatGPT managed to pull off an average score of 21 out of 100 marks. A step up from math, but not exactly a shining moment. Yet, Insider's later test saw ChatGPT acing two PSLE science questions, throwing us all for a loop.
Switching gears to English, ChatGPT did pass but with an average score of 11 out of 20 marks across three English papers. It wasn't smooth sailing, though. The bot stumbled on questions with words carrying multiple meanings. Take the word "value," for example. ChatGPT couldn't quite grasp the context when it meant moral principles and thought it was all about the money.
ChatGPT's Checkered Past and the Bigger Picture
This isn't ChatGPT's first rodeo. It breezed through exams at Wharton business school, aced law school courses, and even sailed through a US medical licensing exam. But when it faced off against a test meant for 12-year-olds, it tripped up. Talk about an unexpected twist.
Now, this whole episode has academia talking. There's a growing concern that AI bots like ChatGPT could become the go-to tool for cheating. Universities are taking note and making changes to their exam processes. More oral exams, group work, and handwritten assessments are on the horizon, reducing the reliance on typed submissions.
In a Nutshell
ChatGPT's performance hiccup in the PSLE exams in Singapore shines a light on the unpredictable nature of AI. It's brilliant in some areas, but it can stumble in others. As technology marches forward, integrating AI into education will bring both challenges and opportunities. The future of examinations is up for debate, and ChatGPT's journey is a fascinating part of that conversation.
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