New Technology Aims to Improve Teacher Development and Student Assessment

A new education technology platform developed by the University of Glasgow aims to transform professional learning and student assessment in schools. This advance leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the capture and analysis of teaching practices. The platform is designed to provide teachers with real-time, informed professional judgments.

The technology utilizes Deliberative Instructional Agents (DIAs). These agents shift professional learning from a retrospective activity to one embedded within ongoing teaching. DIAs place teachers at the center of evidence, research, and experiential knowledge. This approach supports continuous professional development.

Professional development is crucial for educational quality, teacher satisfaction, and student outcomes. However, increased workload often limits teachers' time for such learning. The new platform addresses this challenge. It helps teachers interpret critical moments in student learning through structured reflection. It also encourages the rehearsal of alternative instructional methods through simulation.

Dr. Thomas Cowhitt, a researcher at the University of Glasgow, co-developed DIAs. He states that improving teaching requires creating conditions for teachers to engage meaningfully with evidence. This includes practice, pedagogical research, and experiential knowledge. This engagement informs professional judgment.

DIAs are currently being piloted in secondary and primary schools. These trials are taking place in Scotland and England. Developers anticipate potential for wider implementation across the United Kingdom and globally. The work was published in the journal *Educational Review*.