Free materials to help Romanian English teachers to enhance learning with AI

In the framework of English Language Day, the British Council -the United Kingdom’s organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, presents a resource pack to help Romanian teachers use AI and enhance learning while supporting their professional growth. The material, which is accessible on the TeachingEnglish webpage, offers clear, step-by-step guidance for 43 innovative activities highlighting both, the benefits that these technologies can bring to students and educators, and addressing potential challenges such as the risks of AI-generated content and student interaction with AI tools.

Only 20 per cent of the 1,112 teachers surveyed for the British Council’s research Artificial intelligence and English language teaching: Preparing for the future felt sufficiently trained to use AI in teaching and 54 per cent felt inadequately trained. A significant 27 per cent remained neutral, indicating possible uncertainty about their AI training needs.

This resource pack is one of a series of measures designed in response to those needs. It includes activities grouped into ten categories of teacher tasks, from producing materials to helping plan and assess. Each material is aligned with the British Council’s Continuing Professional Development framework for teachers demonstrating how AI-based approaches can integrate into broader professional development strategies for these professionals.

In addition to practical activities, the resource provides essential insights into using AI thoughtfully and responsibly. A dedicated section outlines guiding principles for safe and effective AI use, helping teachers navigate the ethical and practical challenges associated with AI in education. To maximise the impact of these tools, the pack includes valuable tips for crafting effective prompts, ensuring teachers can communicate effectively with AI tools and achieve the desired outcomes in their teaching practice.

‘Crucially, this resource pack underscores the importance of ethical and responsible AI use. Teachers are introduced to our guiding principles for AI use and encouraged to evaluate whether a particular resource or tool is suitable for their specific teaching context. Each activity outlines potential challenges which teachers should consider carefully before deciding whether it is right for them and their students’, states Neenaz Ichaporia, EdTech Lead English and School Education at the British Council.