A Self-Efficacy Theory-based Study on the Teachers Readiness to Teach Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools in Sri Lanka
Project Overview
The document examines the integration of generative AI in education, particularly focusing on the readiness of Sri Lankan teachers to incorporate AI into the school curriculum through the lens of self-efficacy theory. It highlights that teachers exhibit low confidence in their capability to teach AI concepts, a sentiment more rooted in their emotional states and imagined scenarios than in their actual teaching skills. This lack of confidence is seen as a barrier to effective AI education. The findings underscore the importance of targeted professional development programs aimed at equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach AI. By addressing these gaps in self-efficacy and providing structured support, the document suggests that teachers can enhance their preparedness for integrating AI into educational practices, ultimately improving student outcomes and fostering a more innovative learning environment.
Key Applications
Integrating AI into the school curriculum for grades 8 and above
Context: K-12 education in Sri Lanka, targeting public school teachers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Implementation: A nationwide survey assessed teacher readiness, focusing on self-efficacy in teaching AI. The curriculum integration is planned for 2024.
Outcomes: Identified low self-efficacy among teachers, highlighting gaps in knowledge and confidence to teach AI.
Challenges: Teachers' lack of readiness and insufficient mastery of AI content.
Implementation Barriers
Knowledge Gap and Support
Teachers lack sufficient knowledge and skills related to AI, which affects their confidence in teaching the subject. Limited access to resources and mentorship for teachers hinders their ability to effectively teach AI.
Proposed Solutions: Develop targeted professional development programs that focus on enhancing teachers' understanding and skills in AI, and establish a connected teacher professional development system that fosters collaboration and resource sharing among teachers.
Project Team
Chathura Rajapakse
Researcher
Wathsala Ariyarathna
Researcher
Shanmugalingam Selvakan
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Chathura Rajapakse, Wathsala Ariyarathna, Shanmugalingam Selvakan
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai