The Joy of Teaching English in the Era of AI | Correspondence

The comprehensive piece titled Teacher v chatbot: my journey into the classroom in the age of AI, 3 March provides crucial human insights into the art and mission of English teaching amid the rise of AI technology capable of language understanding. It raises a compelling point: if the content of the article were repeatedly analyzed by AI models, certain aspects of the teacher’s insights and methodologies could potentially be mimicked by AI-driven educators.

Nevertheless, the acts of reading and writing—particularly when they delve into the intricacies of human thought and emotion—are distinctively human endeavors. This distinction is paramount as we consider the evolving educational landscape.

As the author discovers throughout their journey, engaging with human experiences through writing is an invaluable collective endeavor. The act of reading literature aloud in a classroom setting serves as a portal for students to share and dissect their personal interpretations of the author’s intentions and choices. This discourse gradually evolves into deeper analytical conversations that center on subtleties and ambiguities, ultimately aiding students in grasping not just the text but also their emotional and intellectual reactions to it.

Moreover, organizing these reactions into a structured written format compels students to refine their thoughts. This process not only clarifies their ideas but also facilitates understanding among peers, making their insights more accessible. By developing their writing skills, students learn to express their thoughts in meaningful ways that resonate with an audience.

Over recent months, I have found myself increasingly astonished by AI’s capability to perform intricate English language tasks almost instantaneously. Yet, AI still falls short in nurturing students’ burgeoning responses to texts and their personal viewpoints with the depth of empathy and understanding that only a human can provide.

Having dedicated 35 years to teaching English, I hold a deep passion for this subject and wish all new educators embarking on their careers immense joy and fulfillment in their profound journey ahead.
Richard Farmer
Edinburgh