Joy of teaching English in the age of AI
The Guardian
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 4 Mar 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Unknown
- Created
- 4 Mar 2026, 10:00 pm
Description
Letter: Reading and writing are still uniquely human activities even though artificial intelligence can complete complex “English learning” tasks in seconds, says Richard Farmer
Summary
This letter to the editor argues that while AI can perform complex English learning tasks, it cannot replicate the human empathy and understanding required to explore students' responses to text and their own views. The author emphasizes that reading and writing, especially when exploring personal thoughts and feelings, remain uniquely human activities that foster valuable communal and analytical experiences. The piece implicitly suggests that educational approaches should continue to value these human elements, even as AI capabilities advance, highlighting a nuanced perspective on the integration of AI in creative and analytical learning.
Body
‘What AI can’t do is explore students’ emerging responses to text and their own views with human empathy and understanding.’ Photograph: Cultura Creative (RF)/AlamyView image in fullscreen‘What AI can’t do is explore students’ emerging responses to text and their own views with human empathy and understanding.’ Photograph: Cultura Creative (RF)/AlamyLettersJoy of teaching English in the age of AIReading and writing are still uniquely human activities even though artificial intelligence can complete complex “English learning” tasks in seconds, says Richard FarmerYour long read (Teacher v chatbot: my journey into the classroom in the age of AI, 3 March) provides human insight into both the craft and purpose of English teaching in the era of developing AI expertise in language. There is no doubt that if the article were fed into AI models often enough, the teacher’s words and techniques could, at some level, be replicated by AI online teachers.However, reading and writing, especially that which explores the writer’s thoughts and feelings, are surely uniquely human activities.As the writer comes to recognise, exploring human experiences through the written word is a highly valuable communal experience. Reading literature aloud in the classroom is the gateway to discussing personal responses to the author’s words. As this discussion becomes more analytical, focusing on nuance and ambiguity, it helps students to understand not only the text but also their responses to it.Finally, structuring their responses into a written form encourages students to hone these responses in ways that, in turn, allow others to understand their ideas.In the past few months, I have been amazed by AI’s ability to complete complex “English learning” tasks in seconds. What it can’t do is explore students’ emerging responses to text and their own views with human empathy and understanding.I loved teaching English for 35 years and I wish all those embarking on their jobs now happy and successful careers.Richard FarmerEdinburghExplore more on these topicsAI (artificial intelligence)English and creative writingTeachingComputingLiteracyStudentslettersShareReuse this content