Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s here in the classroom, staffroom, and even in the way we prepare for lessons. For those working in education, where classes are often diverse in background, ability, and learning style, AI can be an especially useful tool.
Here are seven practical ways tutors, lecturers, and teachers can use AI to save time, reduce admin, and focus on what matters most—helping learners succeed.
1. Generate a lesson plan framework
By giving an AI tool a brief description of your session—include the level, awarding body, subject area, and any particular outcomes you’re aiming for—you can receive a structured lesson plan within seconds. Think of this as a starting point: a skeleton to build on.
💡 Example prompt:
“I’m teaching an adult ESOL class, Entry Level 2, focusing on everyday shopping conversations. Please create a 90-minute lesson plan with clear objectives and activities, following ESOL exam board standards.”
2. Design engaging starter activities
First impressions matter. Asking an AI to suggest quick, relevant starter tasks based on your lesson topic can help you settle learners as they come in and set the right tone for the session.
💡 Example prompt:
“Suggest three 5-minute starter activities for an adult Functional Skills Maths Level 1 lesson on percentages. Learners will be entering the classroom and should be able to start straight away.”
3. Create linked homework tasks
Consistency is key in learning. AI can generate homework that ties directly to the content of the lesson you’ve just taught, reinforcing knowledge and helping learners apply skills outside the classroom.
💡 Example prompt:
“I have just taught a Level 2 Business Administration class about workplace communication styles. Suggest a homework activity that reinforces the lesson and encourages reflection.”
4. Differentiate with ease
Of course learner groups are often mixed in ability and background. By feeding in the same activity and asking AI to adjust it for different learner profiles, you can quickly produce differentiated versions that are better tailored to the individuals in your group.
💡 Example prompt:
“Here is a reading comprehension activity on renewable energy for adult learners. Please adapt it for three levels: Entry 3 (simplified vocabulary), Level 1 (moderate challenge), and Level 2 (higher-level analysis questions).”
5. Turn learner scores into personalised reports
Tracking progress is important but often time-consuming. AI can take numeric scores (for behaviour, skills, attitudes, knowledge, etc.) and translate them into personalised written reports.
💡 Example prompt:
“Using these learner scores—Behaviour: 4/5, Knowledge: 3/5, Attitude: 5/5, Conscientiousness: 2/5—write a short personalised progress report that is constructive and encouraging for an adult learner.”
6. Build personalised revision programmes
By combining learner scores with subject content, AI can suggest targeted revision programmes—highlighting where an individual needs to focus and pointing them towards resources that match their needs.
💡 Example prompt:
“Based on these scores (Fractions 2/5, Decimals 3/5, Percentages 4/5, Ratio 5/5), create a two-week revision programme for a learner preparing for Functional Skills Maths Level 2, including suggested practice activities.”
7. Suggest behaviour strategies in line with your ethos
AI can even help suggest proportionate and suitable behaviour responses when incidents occur, aligning with your organisation’s values and ethos.
💡 Example prompt:
“A learner in an evening class has disrupted the session with repeated side conversations. Suggest three appropriate behaviour management strategies in line with an inclusive, respectful learning ethos.”
A note on balance
AI is not here to replace the professional insight of tutors, lecturers, or teachers. Rather, it’s a tool to free up time, cut through repetitive admin, and allow educators to focus on what only humans can do: inspire, motivate, and adapt in the moment.
At Terrabase, we’ve seen first-hand how digital tools can ease the administrative burden in education. While every organisation’s needs are different, the key is finding ways for technology to support your work rather than complicate it. AI offers exactly that kind of support—when used thoughtfully.
✨ Final thought: If you’re an adult learning tutor, lecturer, or teacher, experimenting with AI could be one of the most valuable professional development steps you take this year. Start small, try out these seven tips, and see what difference it makes for you and your learners.
