01 · The tools
Which AI tools to use for teaching
ChatGPT
VisitDrafting lesson plans, quizzes, worked examples and feedback comments
Claude
VisitLonger materials, differentiation and careful, structured explanations
Gemini
VisitLesson resources with Google Workspace and Classroom-friendly output
NotebookLM
VisitTurning your own source materials into summaries, guides and questions grounded in them
02 · The method
Step by step
- 1
Give it the standard and the class
State the learning objective or standard, grade level, lesson length and any constraints. Specific inputs produce usable plans.
- 2
Draft the lesson, then make it yours
Have AI produce a plan with objectives, activities and timing, then adapt it to your students and style.
- 3
Differentiate in one step
Ask it to rewrite a text or task at several reading levels or with scaffolds and extensions, so every student has an entry point.
- 4
Build checks for understanding
Generate quizzes, exit tickets and worked examples with an answer key, then verify the answers yourself before use.
- 5
Speed up feedback, keep judgment
Use AI to draft feedback comments from your rubric, but review and grade final work yourself. Never paste identifiable student data into public tools.
03 · Use this now
Copy-paste prompt for a lesson plan
You are an experienced teacher's assistant. Plan a [length] lesson for [grade / level] on [topic], aligned to this objective or standard: [paste]. Include: the learning objective in student-friendly words, a hook, the main activities with timing, a check for understanding, and an exit ticket. Then give me the same core reading or task at two reading levels (support and extension). Provide an answer key I can verify. Keep it practical for a class of [size].
04 · Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Using AI materials without checking facts and answer keys. It can be confidently wrong in front of students.
- Pasting identifiable student work or data into public tools. Follow your school's privacy and AI policy.
- Relying on AI to grade high-stakes work. It is inconsistent; keep final judgment with you.
05 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can AI plan lessons for teachers?
Yes. It drafts lesson plans, activities, quizzes and worked examples fast, and can differentiate a resource across reading levels. Treat the output as a strong draft to review and adapt to your class.
Can AI grade student work?
It can draft feedback and suggest scores against a rubric, but it is not reliable enough to grade high-stakes work on its own. Use it to speed up feedback and keep the final grading judgment yours.
Is it safe to use AI with student data?
Do not paste identifiable student information into public AI tools. Use anonymized examples, follow your school or district's AI and privacy policy, and prefer approved tools for anything involving student records.