AI causing teachers to rethink how they set assignments

Nearly eight in ten UK teachers (79% ) have had to rethink how they set assignments because of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a new British Council survey. 
 
The findings show that 38% of teachers now design tasks specifically to prevent AI use, while almost six in ten (59%) are finding ways to integrate AI tools constructively into their lessons. 
 
The survey questioned 1,000 UK secondary school teachers on how the rise of AI and digital culture is reshaping classroom practice. 
 
Despite teachers adapting their approach to setting assignments, they also remain split on whether AI is helping or hindering student learning. 
 
Six in ten expressed concerns about the impact of AI on students’ communication skills, yet similar proportions reported positive outcomes, including improved listening and pronunciation, suggesting potential benefits to speech and confidence. 
 
However, one in four (26%) teachers have noticed a decline in writing quality and comprehension, and a similar number report students using a narrower vocabulary. 
 
Digital culture is also transforming language in the classroom: 85% of teachers now find themselves looking up slang or online expressions such as “rizz”, “delulu” and “six, seven”. 
 
Despite their concerns, most teachers are embracing the shift. Nearly six in ten (59%) say they now set tasks that purposefully incorporate AI tools in constructive ways. 
 
Younger teachers aged 25–34 are the most likely to adapt their assignments (86%), but even among those aged 55 and over, a strong majority (72%) have made changes. 
 
Older teachers are more likely to design tasks that block AI use - 40% compared to 33% of younger teachers - suggesting more hesitancy among experienced staff about the role of AI in learning. 
 
Looking ahead, teachers remain divided on AI’s long-term potential: 38% believe it could ultimately improve educational outcomes, while a similar share remain unconvinced. 
 
Fiona Iglesias, Head of UK Schools at the British Council, said: “AI and digital culture are fundamentally reshaping how young people communicate and learn.
 
“We commissioned this survey to better understand what teachers are experiencing on the ground - not just the challenges, but the opportunities emerging as digital learning and AI develop.
 
“It’s vital that we listen to educators about the support and guidance they need to help students thrive in such a rapidly changing landscape.” 
 
Amy Lightfoot, Academic Director for English and School Education at the British Council, said: “The scale of change in classrooms is remarkable - nearly 80% of teachers rethinking how they set assignments because of AI is a seismic shift in teaching practice in a very short time.
 
“Yet it’s not all concern; many teachers are seeing real positives too, from improved listening skills to greater creativity and cultural awareness among students.
 
“With the right training and support, AI can become a powerful tool to help teachers unlock new possibilities for learning that were once out of reach.”