What Can Generative AI Teach Us About The Science Of Teaching And Learning?
Written By: Justin Cerenzia, Executive Director, Center for Teaching & Learning, The Episcopal Academy (Pennsylvania)
In the evolving landscape of education, there can be no definitive approach to adopting generative AI. But plenty of misguided methods can serve as cautionary tales, guiding our exploration towards more informed and impactful uses.
At The Episcopal Academy’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), we adopt a philosophy of curious enthusiasm and pragmatic optimism, continually learning and refining our approaches to technology in education.
Our journey with AI is guided by two main principles:
1 | Investigating AI's Role in Enhancing Pedagogy.
At the heart of our exploration is a commitment to understanding how generative AI can support and advance teaching practices anchored in cognitive science. This calls on us to experiment with AI as a tool for designing curriculum that not only aligns with but enriches our understanding of how students learn best.
A pivotal element in our exploration has been partnering with Flint, a platform that epitomizes the convergence of teaching and learning through AI. Flint has enabled us to experiment with AI-enhanced teaching methodologies, tailoring learning experiences to the individual needs of our students.
Our teachers' curiosity and investigative spirit have not only enriched our application of Flint but have also contributed significantly to the evolution of the platform itself. Their feedback has led to substantial enhancements in Flint's functionalities, making it an even more effective tool for educators around the world.
2 | Extending Active Learning Beyond the Classroom.
Generative AI holds immense potential to broaden the scope of active learning by facilitating continuous engagement with educational material outside of traditional classroom settings.
Through our partnership with Flint, we have harnessed AI’s capabilities to offer students immediate, actionable feedback on their work, allowing them to identify and address areas of improvement in real-time.
Moreover, AI can create dynamic practice environments tailored to each student’s progress, challenging them appropriately and reinforcing their learning. For teachers, AI acts as a powerful ally, analyzing student responses to pinpoint misconceptions, tailor feedback, and inform instruction.
At The Episcopal Academy, we intend to expand the horizons of teaching and learning when we use AI. Yes, that’s partly about enhancing educational outcomes. But it’s also about preparing our students and teachers to combine their ingenuity with technology to unlock an optimistic future for the common good. As we continue on that journey, the CTL remains committed to serving as a laboratory for innovation and a beacon of inspiration.
