AI has quickly become part of everyday teaching. From lesson planning to administrative work, AI in education is already shaping how classrooms function. At the same time, many teachers are still working out how to use AI with confidence. The expectation to adapt has grown faster than the support available.
This creates a gap between using AI and understanding it well. For many educators, this gap leads to hesitation in daily decisions. What should feel like support often feels uncertain. At its core, Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 raises an urgent question: “What does it mean to teach in an era of rapid change with AI?”
Ways in which teachers can use AI
Start with your own thinking, then bring in AI
AI works best when it builds on a teacher’s input.
A teacher can begin with their own lesson objective, outline key points, and decide the direction of the class. AI can then be used to expand explanations, generate examples, or suggest activities. This keeps the teacher in control while still saving time.
Use AI for specifics
Clarity improves usage. Teachers benefit from assigning AI a clear role instead of using it for everything.
This could include:
- Refining explanations
- Creating practice questions
- Summarising content
When AI has a defined purpose, it becomes easier to trust and manage.
Review and adapt every output
AI-generated content should not be used without review.
Teachers who consistently edit and adjust outputs maintain quality and accuracy. This also helps them stay engaged with the material instead of relying entirely on automation, which in turn makes the class understand the topics better.
Overuse of AI is affecting student learning
Students are already using AI for tasks, often without guidance. They turn to it, complete assignments, generate answers, and reduce the time spent on difficult work. While this makes tasks easier, it also changes how they engage with learning.
When students begin relying on prompts for every question, the need to think through a problem starts to reduce. Instead of forming their own ideas, they look for ready-made responses. Over time, this weakens their ability to analyse, question, and build arguments independently.
AI also gives polished outputs quickly, which can make deep effort feel unnecessary. A task that once required time, revision, and reflection can now be completed in minutes. This shifts the focus from understanding to completion.
How teachers can guide students to use AI, effectively
Start with thinking before prompting
The order of use matters. Students should begin with their own attempt before turning to AI. This could involve writing a response, solving a problem, or outlining their ideas.
AI can then be used to review their work, point out gaps, or suggest improvements. This keeps the thinking process active and ensures that effort remains part of learning.
Use AI as a tutor or feedback tool
AI can support learning when it acts as a guide rather than a solution provider. Students can use it to ask for explanations, test their understanding, or receive targeted feedback.
For example, instead of asking for a full answer, they can ask AI to quiz them, explain a concept in simpler terms, or highlight areas that need improvement. This approach keeps them engaged with the material.
Design tasks that require reasoning
Teachers can shape behaviour by how they structure tasks. When students are asked to explain their reasoning, show steps, or reflect on their answers, they are less likely to depend entirely on AI.
This ensures that learning is tied to the process, not just the final output.
The goal is clarity in how AI supports learning
AI will continue to be part of education, and its role will keep evolving. What matters is how clearly it is used within the classroom. When teachers are confident in their approach with AI, they can guide students more effectively. When students are encouraged to think first and use AI with purpose, learning remains active and meaningful.
The focus stays on understanding, effort, and individual thinking. With the right balance, AI supports the process without taking control of it.
When AI is guided with clarity, it strengthens thinking instead of replacing it.
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