Spot Mistakes Before You Trust Them
This intervention framework references recognised UK education guidance — including Department for Education (DfE) generative AI guidance for schools, Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) expectations on pupil data, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and Ofqual assessment integrity guidance, and Ofsted expectations for safeguarding and curriculum quality. It supports school self-assessment; it is not legal advice and does not imply official endorsement or compliance certification.
Why This Matters
AI sounds confident even when it is wrong. It can invent facts, quotes and sources — this is called a hallucination.
Learning to check answers is the most important AI skill you can have. It keeps your work accurate and your thinking sharp.
The Four Checks
Check 1: Does It Make Sense?
Read it slowly. Does it match what you already know? If something feels off, dig deeper.
Check 2: Compare a Second Source
Look it up in your textbook, class notes or a trusted website. Never rely on AI alone for facts.
Check 3: Ask for the Source
Ask the AI where its information comes from — then check the source is real. AI sometimes invents references.
Check 4: Watch for Red Flags
Be extra careful with:
- Exact statistics and dates
- Quotes and named studies
- Very recent events
- Anything that sounds too neat
Fact-Check Challenge
Try this:
Step 1
Ask AI a question about a topic you know well.
Step 2
Find one thing it got wrong or left out.
Step 3
Correct it in your own words using a trusted source.
Improve Your Benchmark Score
This framework supports improvement in:
- Verification Skills
- Critical Thinking
- AI Literacy
Retake the student benchmark after practising these checks
Remember
Confident does not mean correct. Always check.
Wider Support & Development
For more information, guidance and support — including how AI Awareness Day can help your school — contact the AI Awareness team.