Utilizing Generative AI for Lesson Planning for Prospective English Teachers

This study examines the effectiveness of ChatGPT in assisting prospective English teachers with lesson planning, addressing a significant research gap in empirical studies on the educational applications of generative AI in English education. Participants first received theoretical instruction on English lesson planning, followed by collaborative activities where they created lesson plans using ChatGPT. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and learner journals to assess (1) the perceived contributions of ChatGPT to different components of lesson plans, (2) its usefulness in developing various instructional activities, and (3) the advantages and challenges encountered during the lesson planning process. The findings indicated that ChatGPT was particularly effective in selecting and organizing learning materials, developing vocabulary activities, and designing lesson closure activities. However, it demonstrated relatively lower effectiveness in areas such as assessment tool development and speaking activity design. Prospective teachers reported that ChatGPT was most beneficial when they provided detailed instructional contexts and specific English prompts that included textbook content. These findings underscore the need for systematic guidelines for integrating AI tools into prospective teacher education programs, recognizing both their potential and limitations. The study also emphasizes the importance of balancing AI-generated suggestions with teachers’ professional judgment to develop effective English lesson plans.