Investigating links between student awareness and use of generative AI tools, and student anxiety and confidence when studying statistics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52041/iase25.128Abstract
Statistics anxiety is common amongst Higher Education students, with an estimated 70–90% experiencing anxiety while studying statistics. The emergence of Generative AI (GenAI) allows for new possibilities for how students might support their learning of statistics. In this international, multi- institutional study, we consider links between student awareness, perceptions, and usage of GenAI with student anxiety and confidence while studying statistics. Data were collected from students at universities across the UK and Australia during 2024 and 2025. Findings suggest that while GenAI usage is modest, it is more common among postgraduate students, and using GenAI tools can have a positive impact by reducing student anxiety and improving confidence while studying statistics. This study informs GenAI-driven pedagogy in higher education by highlighting the value of GenAI tools in supporting student learning of statistics and reducing student anxiety while studying statistics.References
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