Can ChatGPT Make Quality Social Studies Lesson Plans? The Answer Surprised Us

Summary

Ten social studies teacher education experts blind reviewed lesson plans made by generative AI and preservice teachers. Raters consistently rated AI-generated lessons more favorably for their organization and lesson design.

Abstract 

This study examines whether generative artificial intelligence (AI) can support quality lesson planning in secondary social studies classrooms. We recruited 10 experienced social studies teacher educators from across the United States to evaluate six high school lesson plans: three written by preservice teachers (PSTs) during student teaching and three generated by ChatGPT to address the same standards and topics (gay rights, civics, and the Civil Rights Movement). Using a research-based rubric aligned with established frameworks for effective instruction, participants rated each lesson on coherence and clarity, quality of objectives, learning activities, assessment alignment, and integration of inquiry and critical thinking, and provided open-ended feedback on strengths, weaknesses, and teachability. Across most rubric dimensions, AI-generated lessons outperformed PST-authored lessons, particularly in structure, clarity, and alignment between objectives and assessments. However, PST plans more often demonstrated deeper historical nuance, richer inquiry, and stronger evidence of student-centered design and contextual responsiveness. These findings suggest that AI is well-suited to handling routine, structural aspects of planning but is less reliable for supporting complex inquiry, critical engagement with contested issues, and equity-oriented goals. We argue that AI should function as a planning assistant rather than a replacement, and we offer practical guidance for teachers and teacher educators on using AI critically to lighten planning burdens without sacrificing the professional judgment, ethical discernment, and relational work at the heart of social studies teaching.

Main research questions

1. Are generative AI-created lesson plans appropriate and useful for classrooms?
2. Do they meet the quality standards students and teachers deserve?

What the research builds on

Lesson planning is an essential part of teaching—but it also remains one of the most demanding. Crafting a strong social studies lesson requires attention to instructional goals, alignment with standards, thoughtful activities, appropriate assessment methods, and built-in supports for a range of learners. For many teachers, especially new ones, this process can sometimes be daunting and is always time-consuming. Even experienced educators often spend evenings and weekends designing lessons that meet student needs, district expectations, and state requirements. With rising class sizes, ongoing curriculum shifts, and political debates about what can or cannot be taught in social studies classrooms, it is no wonder teachers are looking for new tools that can lighten the load.

What the research add to the discussion

This work shows teachers and students may benefit from incorporating AI into lesson planning.