AI use leads UC Berkeley math professor to see 'no point' in grading homework (www.dailycal.org)

UC Berkeley professor Richard Borcherds, a noted mathematician and Fields medalist, has ceased grading student homework due to the ubiquitous use of AI, which enables many students to achieve top scores effortlessly. In a candid interview, Borcherds expressed that with AI's rapid advancements—even solving complex mathematical problems like the Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness problem—traditional methods of grading for correctness have become obsolete. Instead, he now focuses on grading based on homework completion, acknowledging the inadequacy of this approach while feeling uncertain about the future of mathematics as a career due to AI's encroachment. The implications of Borcherds' decision resonate strongly within the AI/ML community, signifying a potential shift in academic practices and career pathways in mathematics. His reflections challenge the stability once perceived in mathematical professions, comparing the transformative power of AI to historical technological disruptions. As universities adapt their policies regarding AI use in coursework, with varying implementations across departments, there remains a sense of inertia within academic structures. Borcherds’ comments underscore the urgent need for educators to rethink grading and evaluation methods in light of AI capabilities, presenting an opportunity for the mathematics field to evolve alongside these emerging technologies.