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The Conversation
The Conversation
Torrey Trust, Professor of Learning Technology, UMass Amherst

AI-generated lesson plans fall short on inspiring students and promoting critical thinking

Teachers are busy − can the efficiency promised by AI make them better teachers? MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

When teachers rely on commonly used artificial intelligence chatbots to devise lesson plans, it does not result in more engaging, immersive or effective learning experiences compared with existing techniques, we found in our recent study. The AI-generated civics lesson plans we analyzed also left out opportunities for students to explore the stories and experiences of traditionally marginalized people.

The allure of generative AI as a teaching aid has caught the attention of educators. A Gallup survey from September 2025 found that 60% of K-12 teachers are already using AI in their work, with the most common reported use being teaching preparation and lesson planning.

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