Survive & Thrive: Gen AI for ESL Teachers
Survive & Thrive: Gen AI for ESL Teachers
Items in this lesson
Survive & Thrive: Gen AI for ESL Teachers
What do you already know about using Gen AI in teaching?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify key Gen AI tools, craft effective prompts, and understand how to integrate AI to support your ESL teaching while keeping ethical factors in mind.
Why Discuss Gen AI Now?
Teacher workloads are increasing, staff shortages are common, and Gen AI now offers powerful support options for educators.
The Teacher Workload Crisis
High staff turnover and extra responsibilities leave many ESL teachers stressed and overwhelmed.
AI: The Virtual Teaching Assistant
Gen AI can serve as a 24/7 assistant to help with routine tasks, lesson development, and student support.
What is Generative AI (Gen AI)?
Gen AI uses machine learning to generate new content and ideas. It can create quizzes, lesson plans, and even provide feedback.
AI in Everyday Teaching
Tools like lesson planners, grading assistants, and feedback generators are now powered by AI.
Main Benefits of AI Integration
Personalisation
Helps tailor learning to individual students.
Efficiency
Saves time on repetitive tasks.
Lesson Planning with Gen AI
Easily generate lesson ideas, resources, and adaptable content for different student needs.
Prompt Crafting Matters
Writing precise prompts is essential to get the best output from AI tools.
Prompt Crafting: Quick Guide
1. Be specific in your request. 2. Give clear instructions. 3. Specify format or length as needed.
Example Prompts: Before & After
"Create a 45-minute B1 lesson on travel vocabulary using real-life scenarios and group tasks." Result: Targeted, useful lesson
"Create a lesson." Result: Unfocused, generic lesson
Vague
Improved
Gen AI for Grading & Feedback
Automate marking and generate personalised feedback for your students quickly and accurately.
Personalised Learning Paths
AI can adjust tasks and materials to match students’ strengths and weaknesses.
Ethical Considerations
Using AI must be balanced—consider privacy, data security, and maintaining human connection in learning.
Popular Gen AI Tools
Tools include ChatGPT, Quillbot, Grammarly, and more specialised ELT resources.
Staying Current with AI
AI tools change rapidly. Experiment, share with colleagues, and stay informed for best results.
Collaboration & Experimentation
Try new AI tools together in your team, and share feedback about their usefulness in your context.
Final Thoughts
Gen AI can reduce teacher stress, improve learning outcomes, and free up more time for creativity and connection.
Reflection
How might AI make your teaching easier? Which AI tool will you try first in your lessons?
Thank You & Next Steps
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
