Teacher As a Facilitator: Examining the Role of AI-Powered Tools in Transforming Classroom Practices

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a fundamental shift in the Indian classroom, recasting the teacher from a primary knowledge-deliverer to a facilitator of learning. Concurrently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in education. This research study investigates the confluence of these two trends by examining the role of AI- powered tools in enabling and shaping the teacher’s new facilitative role within the Indian context. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how technological integration translates into tangible changes in pedagogical practice and professional identity. The study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach, conducting in-depth interviews and classroom observations with secondary school teachers in diverse Indian schools who are actively using AI tools such as adaptive learning platforms and automated assessment systems. It seeks to answer: How are AI tools perceived and adopted by teachers to transition towards facilitation? In what ways do these tools reshape instructional strategies, classroom dynamics, and decision-making processes? The preliminary findings indicate that AI can significantly support facilitation by automating administrative tasks, providing data-driven insights into individual student learning gaps, and freeing up teacher time for personalized intervention and critical thinking activities. However, the research also identifies significant challenges, including varying levels of digital literacy, resistance to pedagogical change, and concerns about over-reliance on algorithmic recommendations. The study concludes that while AI-powered tools offer a powerful lever for achieving the facilitative goals of the NEP 2020, their successful integration is not automatic. It hinges on robust, context-sensitive teacher professional development and a reimagined support system that empowers teachers to leverage AI as a collaborative partner in fostering a more personalized and effective learning environment.