Grading in the Age of AI: Understanding the Impact of AI-Generated Student Work on Teacher Evaluation and Job Satisfaction

Generative AI tools allow students to produce polished texts with minimal effort, raising new challenges for educators tasked with evaluating authenticity and merit. This project investigates how the use of AI in student work impacts teacher evaluation and job satisfaction. Across three phases鈥攁 qualitative interview study, a large-scale survey, and an experimental study鈥攖his research examines the cognitive and emotional responses of teachers when they suspect or are informed that a student submission was AI-generated. The project explores how such perceptions affect grading practices, perceived fairness, and professional fulfilment. Special attention is given to emotional reactions, using validated measures (e.g., PANAS) and facial expression analysis to trace subtle emotional cues. This research will provide practical recommendations for educational institutions navigating the ethical and psychological implications of AI in academic assessment. By foregrounding the role of human judgment in a time of digital transformation, the project aims to strengthen fairness, transparency, and job satisfaction in education.

Involved researchers

  • dr. Tom Damen

    Assistant Professor
  • Assistant professor in psychology, exploring leadership, decision-making, and human-AI interaction. Passionate about bridging research and practice to foster insight, integrity, and impact.

Funding

This research project is funded by SoTL.