UEN Teacher Tips

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence tools, many teachers worry about their impact on student learning—will they foster growth or hinder critical thinking and creativity? You can turn AI into a beneficial tool by positioning students as the experts. Encourage them to actively engage with AI by training the tool to teach or explain concepts.

To set up a “Student as Expert” AI learning activity, check whether your school’s AI tool allows you to customize a chatbot or learning assistant. If the answer is yes, you can create a chatbot that acts as a learner, patient or someone needing guidance. 

Start by crafting a specific prompt with these key elements: Role/Persona (e.g., "You are a student interacting with a teacher"), Goal (e.g., "The goal is to practice explaining a concept clearly"), Constraints (e.g., "You will ask questions but not provide answers"), and Guide (e.g., "Introduce yourself as a student, explain your need and ask four questions during the interaction"). Clear, detailed instructions ensure the chatbot facilitates meaningful learning experiences. When the chatbot is ready, give your students the link or code and let them explore.

Benefits of Centering Students as Experts in AI Interactions:

• Deep Engagement: When students are explaining concepts to the AI chatbot, they are engaging deeply with the concept, reinforcing their own understanding and improving retention. 

• Critical Thinking: Students are put in a position where they have to use their knowledge to respond. 

• Increases Confidence: Having a chance to play the expert empowers students and boosts their confidence and ownership over their learning. 

• Promotes Reading and Writing Skills: Students use their reading and writing skills throughout the chatbot interaction, in a meaningful way.