The year is 2025, and the classroom is transforming faster than ever. Forget flying cars – we’ve got AI co-pilots and a fresh approach to failing!
Here are our top two tips (yes, only two–we want to ease you into the new year gradually) for 2025:
Tip 1: Get on the AI Train (but you fly the plane!)
We know the saying, “Work smarter, not harder.” Well, artificial intelligence is here to do just that!
It’s time to discard any lingering hesitancy and hop on board the AI train! Time is a teacher’s most precious commodity, and you can reclaim some of yours using AI. If you are new to AI, begin by exploring ChatGPT, Gemini, and Magic School.
Next, review the AI prompts below to improve your workflow and lesson planning and learn ways to destress and recharge!
- 50 ChatGPT Prompts for Teachers
- 65 AI Prompts for Lesson Planning
- 41 AI Prompts for Teacher Well-Being to Help You Destress, Recharge, and Thrive
AI is transforming the classroom experience for students, offering a unique blend of efficiency and creativity. One striking realization is that AI tools, like chatbots, provide a judgment-free learning environment. This allows students to explore, experiment, and learn without the fear of embarrassment that can sometimes accompany traditional human interaction.
Beyond the emotional benefits, AI offers practical advantages. It can help students organize their writing, overcome the initial hurdles of starting a project, and even practice critical and scientific thinking skills.
It’s crucial, however, to emphasize that AI is a “co-pilot” in learning. It’s a powerful assistive tool, but ultimately, students are the ones in control, steering their own learning and development. In other words, when using AI, we are “flying the plane.”
Tip 2: Fail Fast
If you aren’t already familiar, meet The Learning Pit!
The drawing above is a powerful illustration that introduces productive struggle when learning new things. Whether physical or psychological, failure is a powerful teacher. When we stumble and fall, literally or metaphorically, we learn valuable lessons!
A bad grade teaches students the impact of studying and asking questions. Mistakes shouldn’t be demonized; they are essential for learning and growth. When children are little, they constantly make mistakes – spilling, falling, and experimenting without fear. Somewhere along the way, we began equating mistakes with failure. Let’s reclaim the power of mistake-making in our classrooms!
To encourage mistake-making and “failing fast” in the classroom, try these steps:
1. Explain the science of failure.
When we try something and we are successful at it, our brains are filled with endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These are the “feel good” chemicals that make us want to try again! When we fail, our brains release cortisol, known as the stress chemical, that can leave us, and our students, feeling defeated.
2. Validate feelings.
Failing is productive, and if it becomes more routine in our classrooms, it begins to feel natural. When students don’t meet the mark, we can talk about what it means, and why trying and failing is part of the learning process. What we don’t address, comes back–so talking about it, privately or as a class, benefits all.
3. Teach about mindsets.
Providing students with the research about mindsets will shows students that intelligence is not “fixed.” Encouraging students to learn from setbacks builds resilience, and promotes an environment where it is ok to ask questions and try, try, again.
Embrace the Future of Learning
The 2025 classroom is a dynamic and exciting place! By embracing AI as a powerful tool and reframing failure, we can empower students to reach new heights. The most important thing is to encourage a love of learning in our students. Happy 2025!
Susanne Leslie is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. As a former parent educator, Susanne’s specialty is Culture, Wellness, and Early Childhood instruction. In her current role, she writes courses and content, and is an enthusiastic advocate for play and time outdoors as the best teaching tools.
Fun Fact: Susanne has jumped out of two (perfectly good) airplanes!
