Role of AI in Culturally Responsive STEM Teaching

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Interrogating the Role of Technology in Teacher Development (Table 9)

Abstract

This study explored how AI supports elementary teacher candidates in understanding and applying culturally responsive teaching (CRT) in STEM. Using a mixed-method approach, it gathered quantitative data from pre/post surveys and qualitative data from lesson plans, weekly reflective journals, and a focus group interview. The analysis identified themes such as efficiency and time management, personalization and differentiation, cultural responsiveness, and idea generation and creativity. Teacher candidates valued ChatGPT’s time-saving and quick idea generation capabilities. However, they recognized challenges in creating personalized and culturally responsive lesson plans and emphasized the need for a critical approach to AI-generated content.

Authors

• Eun Kyung Ko, National Louis University

• Vishodana Thamotharan, National Louis University

• Xue Han, National Louis University