17/11/2025
苗栗縣 114 學年度與澳洲辦事處合作辦理國中小英語教學專業增能工作坊
研習日期：114 年 11 月14 日（星期五）
地點：國教輔導團研習中心1樓研習室
講師：Kathy Watson
AI in Education: Empowering Our English Teachers!
What an incredible day yesterday (Friday 14/11) at our professional development workshop in Miaoli! We had a fantastic time with Kathy Watson from the University of Adelaide. The morning session was all about exploring how AI can genuinely support language learning rather than replace good teaching. In the afternoon, Kathy focused on functional language and soft skills in the age of AI and translation.
Here are some highlights:
•Beyond the Basics with AI: We looked at how tools like AI story generators and Google Read-Alongs can help students read more, hear more natural language, and get instant examples and models. We discussed how teachers can guide, adapt, and critically evaluate AI output so it fits students’ age, level, and context.
•AI as a Thinking Partner, Not a Shortcut: Teachers experimented with using AI to draft dialogues, generate functional language examples, and create differentiated materials—while still making sure tasks require real thinking and interaction from students.
•The Power of Functional Language: A major takeaway was that language isn’t just grammar and vocabulary, but its function – giving advice, making invitations, expressing threats, or giving orders. We explored how AI can quickly provide multiple examples of these functions, and how teachers can select and refine them for meaningful classroom use.
•The ALT Model in Action: We focused on connecting Meaning, Form, and Pronunciation, using AI to suggest sample sentences and pronunciation support, while teachers design the interaction and practice.
•Soft Skills: Building on the MFP/MPF structure, Kathy focused on enhancing our clear presence, where teachers are able to connect learners to developing soft skills, such as giving advice or offering invitations, using functional language in the classroom.
•Practical Classroom Strategies: From setting the context for learning to using AI for controlled practice materials, to designing freer communication tasks, we discussed concrete ways to integrate AI without losing the human touch.
It was inspiring to see so many dedicated educators reflecting on how to use AI responsibly and creatively to support students’ learning, not to replace teacher expertise. The future of English language teaching in Taiwan is bright with such thoughtful professionals!
A huge thank you to Kathy Watson, our local English teachers, as well as the foreign English teachers who participated and contributed to two days full of learning and collaboration. Let’s continue to empower our students in Miaoli to strive for a brighter world, filled with confidence and skills to explore new opportunities!
