How AI Tools Support Vocational Learners with Study Issues

When Ayo Bamgbose noticed students struggling with academic writing tasks—particularly those who excelled at practical work but froze when faced with extended assignments—he recognised a familiar pattern affecting many vocational learners. Some students were already experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT, but their approaches varied wildly: some used them confidently while others worried about academic integrity or avoided them entirely.

Rather than banning these emerging technologies, Bamgbose chose a different path. His action research project investigated whether structured, teacher-led guidance could help learners use AI tools ethically and effectively to overcome study-related challenges.

Working with 24 adult learners on a Level 4 Spa Management course, he designed a two-part intervention that went far beyond simply showing students how to use ChatGPT. The sessions focused on modelling critical thinking, demonstrating ethical boundaries, and building genuine understanding rather than encouraging shortcuts.

The transformation was remarkable. Students who previously avoided writing tasks began engaging more readily with assignments. Confidence levels soared as learners discovered they could break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. Most significantly, the classroom culture shifted—AI became a topic for open discussion rather than secretive use.

Through anonymous feedback and careful observation, Bamgbose documented how structured support made the difference. Students didn't just learn to use a tool; they developed critical evaluation skills, understood ethical boundaries, and gained strategies they could apply across their studies.

His research addresses a crucial gap in educational literature. While much AI-in-education research focuses on large-scale implementations or secondary education, this study examines real classroom practice in vocational settings. It demonstrates that with thoughtful guidance, AI tools can support inclusive learning without compromising academic integrity.

For educators grappling with the AI revolution in their classrooms, this research offers practical insights and proven strategies. Bamgbose shows that the key isn't the technology itself, but how teachers frame, model, and support its use to build learner autonomy and confidence.