The future of lesson planning: AI integration experiences among TESL teacher trainees in a Malaysian public university

This study examines TESL students’ perceptions of the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence into lesson planning. This study also identifies the AI tools selected by TESL teacher trainees for lesson plan development. This study involved thirty TESL undergraduate students and five teacher trainees from a Malaysian public university. This research employed a descriptive case study methodology, incorporating semi-structured interviews with teacher trainees and a questionnaire administered to TESL students. The data gather from interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically, while the questionnaire data were tabulated. The research findings have clear implications for participants who conveyed favourable views on AI integration in lesson planning. Two themes emerged from the interview: the Utilization of Diverse AI Tools and the Customization and Adaptation of AI-Generated Content. Significantly, ChatGPT and Magic School AI emerged as favoured selections among the participants. These findings substantially enhance the efficiency of lesson planning, accelerate idea generation, and simplify the overall process. This study suggests that educational practitioners must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in lesson plan development, given its increasing acceptance and advantages.