AI Enhances Teachers' Productivity and Effectiveness in Instruction.

Published Date::27/09/2024

Teachers use AI for lesson plans, quizzes, and insight on how to teach concepts more effectively. But only those who use AI for advice feel more productive and effective.

Teachers can use generative AI in various ways, such as developing lesson plans and quizzes or relying on tools like ChatGPT for insight on how to teach concepts more effectively.

In a recent study, we followed 24 teachers at K-12 schools in the United States as they explored the use of generative AI in their work. We provided them with a standard training session on generative AI and conducted multiple observations, interviews, and surveys throughout the year.

Our findings show that teachers feel more productive and effective with generative AI when they use it for advice. The standard methods to teach to state standards may not work for every student or school year, and teachers may need alternative approaches. Generative AI can provide ideas for these alternative approaches.

While many focus on the productivity benefits of generative AI in making quizzes or activities faster, our study highlights the importance of using AI for advice. Teachers feel more productive and effective when their students are learning, and generative AI seems to help some teachers get new ideas about how to advance student learning.

K-12 teaching requires creativity, particularly in tasks like lesson plans or integrating technology into the classroom. However, teachers are under pressure to work quickly, with many tasks to complete, such as preparing teaching materials, meeting with parents, and grading schoolwork. This pressure can stifle creativity and make teachers feel stuck.

Some view generative AI as a solution to this problem, as it is always available, works quickly, and never tires. However, our research reveals that for many teachers, the time it takes to get a satisfactory output from the technology – and revise it to fit their needs – is no shorter than the time it would take to create the materials from scratch.

By understanding how teachers can effectively use generative AI for advice, schools can make informed decisions about investing in AI for their teachers and supporting them in using these new tools. This also provides valuable feedback to scientists creating AI tools, who can design better systems.

Despite these benefits, many teachers face roadblocks that prevent them from seeing the benefits of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. These roadblocks include the time it takes to learn how to use the technology effectively. Further research is needed to understand why some teachers become proficient users of generative AI while others do not.

FAQS:

Q: How can teachers use generative AI effectively?

A: Teachers can use generative AI effectively by using it for advice on how to teach concepts more effectively, rather than just relying on it to create materials.

Q: What are the benefits of using generative AI in K-12 teaching?

A: The benefits of using generative AI in K-12 teaching include increased productivity, more effective teaching, and improved student learning.

Q: What are the roadblocks that prevent teachers from seeing the benefits of generative AI?

A: The roadblocks that prevent teachers from seeing the benefits of generative AI include the time it takes to learn how to use the technology effectively and the need for additional training and support.

Q: How can schools support teachers in using generative AI effectively?

A: Schools can support teachers in using generative AI effectively by providing training and resources on how to use the technology, as well as feedback and support from administrators and colleagues.

Q: What is the future of generative AI in K-12 teaching?

A: The future of generative AI in K-12 teaching is promising, with potential applications in personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and more effective teacher support.

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