AI for Language Teacher Professional Development: Advancing Through Human-ChatGPT Collaboration

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into professional development is reshaping the landscape for language teachers. Despite the growing presence of AI in language education, limited reviews have examined their specific impact on language teachers’ professional growth. This review addresses this gap by analysing empirical research, with a focus on ChatGPT. Using key search terms such as “ChatGPT language teaching” and “ChatGPT language teacher”, relevant studies were identified from the Scopus database and thematically analysed. Guided by Miao and Cukurova’s (2024) AI Competency Framework for Teachers, the review explores how language teachers engage with ChatGPT-assisted strategies for their professional development across three progression levels: Acquire, Deepen and Create. Findings reveal ChatGPT’s multifaceted role as a transformative tool for professional development. It enables language teachers to integrate technology into instructions, enhance teaching practices and engage in reflective knowledge reconstruction while fostering collaborative learning and co-creation. Furthermore, it supports professional adaptability by promoting AI literacy and equipping teachers to prepare students with the critical skills needed to navigate AI-enhanced educational environments. This research underscores the potential of human-AI collaboration to transform professional learning frameworks while fostering lifelong learning and adaptability in language education. It offers valuable insights into integrating AI into teacher development to encourage collective growth and advance professional practices.