ChatGPT in Education: 5 Practical Uses for Busy Teachers
AI tools like ChatGPT are helping teachers save time and make learning more engaging. From writing a syllabus to giving feedback, here we introduce 5 easy ways that elementary and middle school teachers can use right away in their classroom.
1. Create Lesson Materials and Ideation
💡 Ideation
With ChatGPT, you can easily generate fresh, engaging lesson ideas that improve student understanding. For example, you can generate real-life examples, experiential activities, and visual content for any given topic.
Outline the topic and objective of your class, and enter a specific prompt into ChatGPT, e.g., “Suggest 5 debate activity ideas for a 20-minute history class. Include materials needed and time allocation for each.”
Organize the results into a table or list, and use them directly in your syllabus or slide deck.
📝 Summarizing References
When you need to simplify complicated content into a summary version, ChatGPT is a powerful tool. It helps organize your text and extract key points.
Copy and paste the original material or syllabus and prompt ChatGPT with: “Summarize only the key points.”
Edit the result in Google Docs or Word and finalize your material.
Some teachers are already using ChatGPT to create quizzes and discussion questions aligned with learning goals—and running them in real-time using tools like ZEP QUIZ.
Recommended Tools
ChatGPT(ideas & summaries)
ZEP QUIZ AI (auto-generate quizzes from documents)
You can easily generate quizzes with ZEP QUIZ AI based on the content of the uploaded document.
Reference | Write a syllabus in 1 Minute
2. Automate Personalized Feedback
Efficient Feedback
ChatGPT can generate basic feedback based on student assignments or assessments. This helps reduce time spent on repetitive work and allows teachers to focus more on creative instruction.
Prepare the student’s work or essay.
Enter a prompt like “Provide specific feedback on what this student did well and what could be improved.”
✅ Note: Always review and revise the generated content before sharing it with students.
Behavioral Feedback Generation
You can provide feedback tailored to each student’s academic level and behavioral development.
Organize individual performance data (e.g., scores, participation, presentation notes).
Ask ChatGPT: “Write feedback based on this student’s learning level and behavioral traits.”
Recommended Tools
ChatGPT (generating feedback & comments draft)
getGPT (bulk comment generator using keywords)
Example
Teachers use getGPT to generate yearly feedback and evaluation notes for 2025.
3. Say Goodbye to Repetitive Admin Tasks
ChatGPT can help with routine work like writing newsletters, parent emails, or student reports.
Reduce Admin Workload
Use ChatGPT to handle repetitive paperwork such as attendance updates, announcements, or email drafts to parents. It can generate precise drafts that save time.
Prepare a list of weekly updates or class announcements.
Prompt ChatGPT: “Write a newsletter and email draft to parents for the week of [date range].”
Review the draft and send it via your usual communication platform.
Report Comments
ChatGPT can generate student record drafts using simple templates and data. You only need to make minor edits to finalize them.
For repeated administrative tasks or reports, ask ChatGPT to generate repetitive comments with prompts like “Generate general student record comments based on this student list.”
Recommended Tools
ChatGPT(generating drafts & templates)
getGPT (bulk report generation from spreadsheets)
Example
Teachers use getGPT to generate entire student records from Excel files in one go.
4. Boost Live Q&A and Discussions
Answer Questions During Class
When students ask questions during class, ChatGPT can help teachers respond instantly without disrupting the flow of the lesson. It can also provide additional explanations that the teacher may have missed.
Before class, introduce students to a Q&A app using ChatGPT (e.g., the ChatGPT app or a ZEP AI NPC-enabled map).
Students type their questions in real-time, and ChatGPT gives immediate answers or explanations.
The teacher uses these questions to prepare follow-up discussions without disrupting the flow.
Enable Discussion and Feedback
Before and after class, students can use ChatGPT to ask about discussion topics or organize their opinions.
Request ChatGPT to generate a topic list and related resources (e.g., “Suggest discussion topics and reference materials on environmental issues.”)
Use this content to lead small group discussions and summarize key points at the end.
Onsite Tip: Create a ZEP map, have students ask ChatGPT questions during a real-time AI Q&A session, and let them present answers and opinions to drive collaborative discussions.
5. Encourage Creative Projects
Student as Creators
Let students become creators using ChatGPT. Instead of passive learning, students get to explore topics and build their own content.
Review Through Quiz Creation
After field trips or hands-on projects, students can create quizzes using ZEP QUIZ. They can exchange quizzes with peers and vote on the best ones.
Recommended Tools
ChatGPT (image/story prompts)
TUNING (AI webtoon creator)
ZEP QUIZ (Flip learning student quiz creation)
Reference | 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Teaching
AI is here to support teachers. Try one of these ideas and see how ChatGPT can save time and bring new energy to your class.
Tried ChatGPT in class? Share your thoughts in the comments!
