As educators grapple with the implications of AI tools like ChatGPT, teachers across the United States are adapting their classroom strategies to mitigate reliance on these technologies. Tristen Chang, a sixth-grade humanities teacher in San Francisco, has eliminated take-home essays in favor of oral exams, reflecting a broader trend among educators to rethink assessment methods in light of AI’s growing presence in education.
Since last year, Chang has implemented a system where students answer 15 questions about literature in just five minutes, emphasizing critical thinking over rote responses. “There’s been a long march of technology changing teaching, but AI is the most drastic,” she noted, highlighting the significant shift in educational practices.
Rethinking Assessment Methods
As generative AI becomes more prevalent, many middle and high school teachers are re-evaluating how they assess student learning. Interviews with educators reveal a shift towards in-class writing and discussions, with a focus on measuring students’ thought processes rather than just their answers. This change comes amid a divided stance on AI in education, with some teachers advocating for its integration while others prefer restrictions.
Antero Garcia, an education professor at Stanford University, remarked on the uncertainty surrounding AI’s role in education, stating, “We haven’t really figured out what that means for education.”
Classroom Strategies Evolve
Teachers are increasingly moving learning activities back into the classroom to counteract students’ reliance on AI tools at home. Rusty Shabe, a middle school English teacher, has dedicated more classroom time to writing, allowing students to work on essays collaboratively over an extended period. Similarly, Bobson Wong, a high school math teacher, has reduced homework assignments in favor of in-class practice, enabling him to monitor student progress more effectively.
Research on AI’s impact on learning remains mixed. A 2025 Harvard study indicated that a custom AI tutor improved student engagement, while a separate MIT Media Lab study suggested that students using ChatGPT for essay writing tended to engage less critically with the material.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Methods
Some educators are responding to the challenges posed by AI by reverting to traditional teaching methods. Rex Ovalle, a high school English teacher, limits technology use in his classroom, opting for composition notebooks to enhance student engagement. “You can’t hide when the laptops are away,” he explained, noting that this approach fosters more active participation.
In contrast, some teachers are embracing AI as a beneficial tool. Michael Zagari, a social studies teacher, uses AI to tailor historical documents for different reading levels and to streamline research projects. He believes that teaching students how to effectively use AI can enhance their critical thinking skills, stating, “AI is not going away. We need to teach civic responsibility of how to use AI just like we taught responsible use of the Internet.”
As the educational landscape continues to evolve with the integration of AI, teachers are finding innovative ways to balance technology with traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students develop critical thinking skills while navigating the complexities of modern learning environments. For further insights into how educators are adapting to AI tools, see the full report by Emirates247.
