Simon Hornbrook | Head of Technology for Learning
St. Joseph's Institution International

Pre-conference Workshops @ 14:00

[W1] 3 Nov (PM) - Taming the algorithm: maintaining pedagogical integrity in AI assisted lesson planning

The promise of the "10-second lesson plan" is alluring, but it brings a critical fear: are we sacrificing deep, constructivist pedagogy for behaviourist convenience? Early research suggests that without guidance, Generative AI defaults to formulaic, teacher-centred instruction. However, a recent study of experienced IB educators in Singapore reveals a different reality: expert teachers are actively "taming" the AI to serve, rather than replace, their pedagogical values.

In this intensive 2 hour workshop, we move beyond generic prompting advice to apply four evidence-based strategies derived from this "Human-in-the-Loop" research. First, participants will adopt the "Critical Curator" stance, engaging in a "Pedagogical Turing Test" to diagnose hidden bias in AI output. Next, they will practice "Pre-loading" (injecting pedagogical context before the prompt) and "Iterative Dialogue" (treating AI as a thought-partner rather than a vending machine) to restructure their planning workflows. Finally, the session culminates in "Transformative Design," where attendees flip the script to design student-facing AI tools that drive inquiry rather than just delivering content.

Attendees will leave not just with a lesson plan, but with a replicable framework to ensure their use of AI enhances, rather than dilutes, student agency and inquiry.

Key takeaways include:

• Confidently assess AI outputs to ensure they support strong pedagogy, not just speed or convenience
• Structure prompts so AI aligns with specific teaching approaches before generating classroom materials
• Design AI-supported activities that promote student thinking, inquiry and independence rather than passive use

Simon Hornbrook, Head of Technology for Learning, St. Joseph's Institution International

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Simon Hornbrook / [W1] 3 Nov (PM) - Taming the algorithm: maintaining pedagogical integrity in AI assisted lesson planning

Simon Hornbrook, Head of Technology for Learning,
St. Joseph's Institution International

Simon Hornbrook is an educational technology leader, strategist, and speaker specialising in purposeful innovation and whole-school AI integration. As the Head of Technology for Learning at St. Joseph’s Institution International in Singapore, he drives strategic digital transformation, including...

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