Teacher’s Tears: Spill, Share, Survive
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Question: Math Teacher/Houston, Tx.
“My students are using ChatGPT to complete their assignments, and while I want to embrace technology, I feel like they’re just copying answers instead of actually learning. Struggling on whether AI in my classroom, is good or bad. How can I guide them to use AI as a tool for understanding, not just a shortcut?”
Response: The Mighty Mathematician
Dear Teacher,
First, let me say—I feel you. The struggle between embracing technology and maintaining authentic learning is so real. It’s like being stuck between two TikTok trends—one you understand and one that makes you question your existence. ChatGPT is the new kid on the block, and while it’s shiny and exciting, it can also feel like the ultimate cheat code for students who’d rather let AI do the thinking.
But here’s the thing: AI isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay, just like the endless stream of slang words we’ll never fully master. So, the question isn’t “Is AI good or bad?” but “How do we use this tech to level up learning rather than shortcut it?”
Here’s a game plan:
1. Demystify the Magic
Start by showing your students how ChatGPT actually works. Spend 10-15 minutes in class exploring it together. Show them how it generates responses, what it’s good at (information synthesis, brainstorming), and what it’s not (critical thinking, solving their love life problems). When students understand it’s a tool, not a genius, they’re more likely to use it wisely.
2. Teach Them to Question Everything
Make critical thinking the star of the show. If a student submits work generated by AI, don’t shut it down. Instead, ask them to explain or critique it. As a math teacher, I have students use ChaptGPT in my class to complete their homework. I was upset at first, because math is learnt with steps and processes. But, I was even more upset at them just put “5.06 x 2.8”. With no context or process. I took 5 minutes of class to encourage them to ask for more information.
For example: Instead of “15 is 40% of what number?”
Ask:
- “What are 3 different ways to solve this problem?
- “How would you use a problem like this in real-life?”
- “What is the easiest ways to solve this problem step by step”
Turn their work into a conversation starter, not a dead-end.
3. Set AI-Enhanced Assignments
Shift the way assignments are framed. If they’re just Googling answers or ChatGPT-ing their way to glory, they’re not learning. Instead:
- Ask students to compare ChatGPT’s response to their own thoughts.
- Have them create questions for AI to answer, then critique those answers.
- Turn them into detectives: “Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for this project, then pick the one you think works best and explain why.”
4. Define the Line
Lay down some AI ground rules. Be clear about when it’s okay to use ChatGPT (e.g., brainstorming or starting points) and when it’s not (e.g., generating essays or completing entire projects). What assignments they can and can not use AI to answer. Students thrive with boundaries, even when they test them.
5. Focus on Process, Not Product
We need to stop treating the final answer like the holy grail. Instead, assess their thinking. Have them document their process:
- What questions did they ask the AI?
- Why did they choose certain parts of its response?
- What changes or improvements did they make?
Frame AI as their personal assistant, not their replacement brain. “ChatGPT won’t ace your math test for you, but it can help you practice.” Or, “ChatGPT can suggest ideas for your essay, but it can’t tell your story the way you can.”
The truth is, AI is like fire—it can cook a meal or burn down the house. It’s our job to teach students how to handle it responsibly. And honestly, it might just make them better learners—more curious, critical, and creative.
Embrace it, guide it, and remind your students that their brains are the real MVPs. ChatGPT? Just the sidekick. 🦸♀️🦸♂️
You’ve got this!
Sincerely,
A Fellow Teacher in the Trenches
Educators HQ 
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