INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XXVI November 2025| Special Issue on
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Assessment, Engagement and
Motivation among Secondary School Students in Kaduna State,
Nigeria
Dogara, Rahmatu Abdullahi., Fatima Shehu Kabir., Uthman Shehu Lawal
Department of Education Foundations, Kaduna State University, Nigeria
Received: 07 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 02 December 2025
ABSTRACT
This paper examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on student motivation and engagement in
educational assessments. With the growing integration of AI technologies such as adaptive testing, automated
grading, and intelligent feedback systems, assessment practices are being reshaped to promote efficiency,
fairness, and personalization. The study reviewed the concept of AI in education, highlighting its potential to
foster intrinsic motivation, enhance student engagement, and reduce assessment anxiety through real-time
feedback and adaptive questioning. However, challenges such as ethical concerns, overreliance on technology,
and possible bias in AI algorithms were also discussed. Findings suggest that while AI-powered assessments
improve inclusivity, promote continuous learning, and sustain motivation, they also risk diminishing critical
thinking and creativity if not carefully managed. The paper concluded that AI-driven assessments must
complement, not replace, human judgment, and recommended that educators adopt blended assessment models
that balance technology with human-centered learning principles.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Motivation, Engagement, Educational Assessment, Students
INTRODUCTION
Education in the 21st century is undergoing a radical transformation driven largely by the infusion of
technology into teaching, learning, and assessment processes. Among these technologies, Artificial Intelligence
(AI) has emerged as one of the most influential forces reshaping educational practices. AI refers to computer
systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, decision-
making, and adapting to new inputs (Russell & Norvig, 2020). Its application in education spans across
personalized learning systems, intelligent tutoring, automated grading, and adaptive assessments, all of which
are redefining how students experience learning and evaluation. One of the most significant areas where AI is
making an impact is in educational assessments. Traditionally, assessments have been used primarily to
measure student performance, often through standardized tests and summative evaluations.
However, these conventional approaches are increasingly criticized for encouraging rote memorization,
fostering test anxiety, and failing to account for individual differences in learning (Selwyn, 2019). Moreover,
high-stakes testing has been shown to reduce intrinsic motivation, as students often focus more on grades than
on the actual learning process (Ryan & Deci, 2020). AI-driven assessments, by contrast, promise to provide
more dynamic, personalized, and student-centered evaluation systems that not only measure learning but also
stimulate motivation and engagement. AI-powered assessments employ adaptive algorithms that tailor
questions to the student’s ability level, ensuring that tasks are neither too easy nor too difficult (Luckin,
Holmes, Griffiths, & Forcier, 2016). This adaptive mechanism helps sustain student interest and minimizes
frustration, thus enhancing engagement. Additionally, AI provides instant and detailed feedback, allowing
learners to recognize their strengths and weaknesses immediately. Research indicates that timely feedback is a
crucial determinant of motivation and persistence in learning (Hattie & Timperley, 2007). By offering feedback
that is specific, actionable, and personalized, AI promote a sense of competence and self-efficacy, which are
essential components of intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
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