As parents of secondary school students, we’ve all been there: the late-night struggle over a complex calculus problem or a physics equation that seems written in a different language. In the past, the immediate solution was often to look for a math tuition center.
But as we move into 2026, a new player has entered the room: Generative AI.
A recent interview in The Straits Times with Raghav Gupta, OpenAI’s Head of Education for Asia-Pacific, sheds light on a debate every parent should hear. Is AI making our kids “lazy,” or is it the most powerful tutor we’ve ever seen?
If you are currently weighing whether to invest in traditional math tuition or let your child lean on digital tools, here is what you need to know.
1. The “Calculator” Trap
Gupta makes a brilliant comparison: AI is the new calculator. If you give a primary schooler a calculator before they understand multiplication, they never actually learn to think mathematically. The same risk applies to secondary students using ChatGPT to solve their math homework. If they just copy-paste the answer, they lose the “friction” required for learning.
The takeaway for parents: If your child uses AI to get the answer, they aren’t learning. If they use it to understand the method, they are.
2. From “Give me the answer” to “Explain the logic”
OpenAI is actively fighting the “shortcut” culture. They’ve introduced “Study Mode,” a feature specifically designed to act like a Socratic tutor. Instead of handing over the solution, the AI asks guiding questions, helping your child find the answer themselves.
For math students, they have also launched dynamic visual explanations. Imagine your child struggling with the Pythagoras Theorem. Instead of a static textbook page, the AI generates an interactive visual that they can manipulate to see how the angles and sides change in real-time.
3. Should You Still Sign Up for Tuition?
Traditional tuition provides accountability and human mentorship—things AI cannot fully replace. However, the role of a tutor is changing. Gupta notes that even at top institutions like NUS, the focus is shifting toward critical thinking and judgment.
When considering a tuition center, ask them:
- Do you incorporate AI tools to help students visualize concepts?
- Do you teach students how to verify AI-generated answers?
- Is the focus on “grilling” (repetitive practice) or on “judgment” (knowing which method to apply)?
4. Preparing for a Different Workforce
By the time your secondary schooler enters the workforce, “knowing the formula” won’t be enough—the AI will know all the formulas. Success will depend on AI literacy.
Gupta highlights that Singaporean students are currently ahead of the curve thanks to the national EdTech Masterplan. By allowing your child to use AI responsibly now—as a tutor that guides them through “friction-filled” learning—you are preparing them for a future where AI is a standard workplace partner.
The Bottom Line
AI isn’t the enemy of the O-Levels or IP exams; it’s a tool that can “supercharge” learning if used correctly.
Whether you choose a private tutor or a digital-first approach, the goal remains the same: Don’t remove the struggle.The “friction” of solving a hard math problem is exactly where the learning happens. Ensure your child is using AI to light the path, not to skip the walk.