Transforming Lesson Planning with ChatGPT: A Multi-Case Study of Texas Pre-Service and In-Service Educators

Authors

  • Julie Delello The University of Texas at Tyler
  • Woonhee Sung University of Texas at Tyler
  • Dana Morris University of Texas at Tyler

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59719/txep.v10i1.89

Abstract

This multi-case study explores how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), specifically ChatGPT, influenced lesson planning in Texas teacher education. In-service and pre-service teachers developed lesson plans, revised them using ChatGPT-generated suggestions, and reflected on the benefits and challenges of AI integration. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were used to measure changes in attitude, perceived usefulness, ease of use, behavioral intention, and actual use. Results indicated increases across all five constructs, with especially strong gains in actual use and ease of use among pre-service teachers. Qualitative data revealed that teachers valued AI for enhancing lessons, offering additional instructional ideas, and improving student engagement. In-service teachers emphasized time efficiency and alignment with classroom needs, while pre-service teachers highlighted greater confidence and support during the planning process. Reported challenges included concerns about items such as accuracy, overreliance, tool complexity, ethical use, and the lack of human connection. Cross-case findings suggest that GenAI tools can support instructional planning when thoughtfully integrated and accompanied by professional development that reinforces teacher expertise.

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Al-Abri, A. (2025). Exploring ChatGPT as a virtual tutor: A multi-dimensional analysis of large language models in academic support. Education and Information Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13484-x

Ali, W., Hassan, R., & Ahmad, A. (2024). ChatGPT in teaching and learning: A systematic review. Education and Information Technologies, 29(1), 25–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11712-5

Baidoo-Anu, D., & Owusu Ansah, L. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. Journal of AI, 7(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1337500

Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative case study methodology: Study design and implementation for novice researchers. The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544–559. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2008.1573

Belcic, I., & Stryker, C. (2025, April 19). What is ChatGPT? IBM. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/chatgpt

Belda-Medina, J., & Kokošková, V. (2023). Integrating chatbots in education: Insights from the chatbot-human interaction satisfaction model (CHISM). International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00432-3

Brown, T. B., Mann, B., Ryder, N., Subbiah, M., Kaplan, J., Dhariwal, P., ... & Amodei, D. (2020). Language models are few-shot learners. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 33, 1877–1901. https://proceedings.neurips.cc/paper/2020/file/1457c0d6bfcb4967418bfb8ac142f64a-Paper.pdf

Chanda, T. C., Sain, Z. H., Shogbesan, Y. O., Phiri, E. V., & Akpan, W. M. (2024). Ethical implications of AI and machine learning in education: A systematic analysis. International Journal of Instructional Technology, 3(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.33650/ijit.v3i1.9364

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Darling-Hammond, L., Schachner, A., & Edgerton, A. K. (2020). Restarting and reinventing school: Learning in the time of COVID and beyond. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/restart-reinvent-schools-covid-report

Delello, J. A., Sung, W., Mokhtari, K., Hebert, J., Bronson, A., & De Giuseppe, T. (2025). AI in the classroom: Insights from educators on usage, challenges, and mental health. Education Sciences, 15(2), 113. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020113

Delello, J. A., Watters, J. B., & Garcia-Lopez, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence in education: Transforming learning and teaching. In Artificial Intelligence in Education: Transforming Learning and Teaching (pp. 1–17). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3003-6.ch001

Diliberti, M. K., Schwartz, H. L., Doan, S., Shapiro, A., Rainey, L. R., & Lake, R. J. (2024). Using artificial intelligence tools in K–12 classrooms (RR-A956-21). RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-21.html

Drost, B. R., & Levine, A. C. (2017). An analysis of strategies for teaching standards-based lesson plan alignment to preservice teachers. Journal of Education, 195(2), 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1177/002205741519500206

Egara, S. N., & Mosimege, M. D. (2024). Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence-based ChatGPT into mathematics instruction: Perceptions, challenges, and implications for educators. Education Sciences, 14(2), 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020114

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1965). Awareness of dying. Chicago: Aldine.

Guo, D., & Pan, Q. (2024). Research on the effectiveness of project-based learning promoted by the integration of Chat GPT and argument mapping. Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology, 8(5), 204–219. https://doi.org/10.23977/aetp.2024.080530

Gurl, T. J., Markinson, M. P., & Artzt, A. F. (2025). Using ChatGPT as a lesson planning assistant with preservice secondary mathematics teachers. Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education, 11(1), 114-139.

Hadi Mogavi, M., Ranjbar, A., & Amin, M. (2024). ChatGPT in education: A blessing or a curse? Computers in Human Behavior: Artificial Humans, 2(1), 100027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbah.2023.100027

He, R., Cao, J., & Tan, T. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence: A historical perspective. National Science Review, 12(5), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf050

Impact Research. (2023, March 1). Teachers and students embrace ChatGPT for education.

Walton Family Foundation. https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/learning/teachers-and-students-embrace-chatgpt-for-education

Kalenda, P. J., Rath, L., Abugasea Heidt, M., & Wright, A. (2025). Pre-service teacher perceptions of ChatGPT for lesson plan generation. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 53(3), 219-241.

Karaman, M. R. (2024). Are Lesson Plans Created by ChatGPT More Effective? An Experimental Study. International Journal of Technology in Education, 7(1), 107-127.

Kasneci, E., Sessler, K., Küchemann, S., Bannert, M., Dementieva, D., Fischer, F., Gasser, U., Groh, G., Günnemann, S., Hüllermeier, E., Krusche, S., Kutyniok, G., Michaeli, T., Nerdel, C., Pfeffer, J., Poquet, O., Sailer, M., Schmidt, A., Seidel, T., … Kasneci, G. (2023). ChatGPT for good? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102274

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2009). Experiential learning theory: A dynamic, holistic approach to management learning, education and development. The SAGE handbook of management learning, education and development, 7(2), 42-68.

Lee, G., & Zhai, X. (2024). Using ChatGPT for science learning: A study on pre-service teachers’ lesson planning. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 17, 1683. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2402.01674

Li, K. (2023). Determinants of College Students’ Actual Use of AI-Based Systems: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. Sustainability, 15(6), 5221. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065221

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications.

Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Meyer, J. G., Urbanowicz, R. J., Martin, P. C. N., O’Connor, K., Li, R., Peng, P.-C., Bright, T. J., Tatonetti, N., Gonzalez-Hernandez, G., Won, K. J., & Moore, J. H. (2023). ChatGPT and large language models in academia: Opportunities and challenges. BioData Mining, 16(1), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13040-023-00339-9

Mirvis, P. (2008). Executive development through consciousness-raising experiences. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 7(2), 173-188. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2008.32712616

Moorhouse, B. L., Yeo, M. A., & Wan, Y. (2023). Generative AI tools and assessment: Guidelines of the world’s top-ranking universities. Computers and Education Open, 5, 100151. 10.1016/j.caeo.2023.100151

Ng, D. T. K., Chan, E. K. C., & Lo, C. K. (2025). Opportunities, challenges and school strategies for integrating generative AI in education. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8, 100373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100373

OECD. (2019). TALIS 2018 results (Volume I): Teachers and school leaders as lifelong learners. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/1d0bc92a-en

OpenAI. (2023). GPT-4 technical report. https://openai.com/research/gpt-4

Oranga, J., Muya, M., & Wambua, P. (2024). ChatGPT (AI) integration into teaching and learning: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 9(1), 77–95. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.1462052

Powell, W., & Courchesne, S. (2024). Opportunities and risks involved in using ChatGPT to create first grade science lesson plans. PloS one, 19(6), e0305337.

SleJournal. (2024). A systematic review of literature reviews on artificial intelligence in education (AIED): A roadmap to a future research agenda. Smart Learning Environments, 11(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00248-0

Stake, R. E. (2006). Multiple case study analysis. Guilford Press.

Sung, W., & An, H. (2025). Teachers’ perceptions and views about ChatGPT: Using ChatGPT as an assistant, not a problem-solver. In R. J. Cohen (Ed.), Proceedings of the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 887–891). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/225613/

Tlili, A., Wang, X., Huang, R., Zhang, M., & Burgos, D. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00212-w

van den Berg, G., & du Plessis, E. (2023). ChatGPT and generative AI: Possibilities for its contribution to lesson planning, critical thinking and openness in teacher education. Education Sciences, 13(10), 998. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13100998

Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Delello, J., Sung, W., & Morris, D. (2026). Transforming Lesson Planning with ChatGPT: A Multi-Case Study of Texas Pre-Service and In-Service Educators. Texas Educator Preparation, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.59719/txep.v10i1.89