Practical ways to use artificial intelligence in mathematics teaching. Start with one small task, review the result and adapt it for your class.
How AI can assist teachers
Plan and adapt lessons
Generate a starting outline, alternative explanations or a sequence of questions. Specify the year level, mathematical topic and learning goal.
Differentiate tasks
Ask for scaffolding, extension questions or different ways into the same problem. Keep the mathematical goal clear and check the level of challenge.
Create practice and worked examples
Draft varied questions, hints and worked solutions. Solve each question yourself and check the notation, assumptions and answers.
Draft feedback and communication
Prepare reusable feedback phrases, instructions and class messages. Use fictional examples and adapt the wording to your own voice.
Turn handwritten resources into editable materials
Photograph or scan older notes and worksheets in good light, with each page flat, upright and fully visible. Keep an original copy and use a school-approved AI tool that accepts images or documents.
- Start by asking for an accurate transcription. Ask the tool to flag unclear writing rather than guess.
- Check equations, symbols, diagrams and page order against the original.
- Then ask for an editable Word document, formatted worksheet, worked solutions, revision resource, differentiated activities or a PowerPoint lesson. If file export is unavailable, copy the checked content into Word or PowerPoint.
Transcribe and format
Transcribe this mathematics worksheet faithfully. Preserve question numbers, notation, units and diagrams. Mark anything unclear as [CHECK ORIGINAL]. Do not invent missing text or answers. Create a clear, editable Word version, with space for students’ working.
Create a lesson presentation
Use these checked notes to prepare a Year 9 lesson on simultaneous equations. Include a learning goal, short explanations, two worked examples and practice questions. Give one key idea per slide and speaker notes. Provide an editable PowerPoint file if supported.
Worked examples and revision
Using this checked worksheet, draft step-by-step solutions and a one-page revision summary. Explain the method, state restrictions and identify common errors. Flag every answer and diagram that needs teacher verification.
Differentiate the activity
Adapt these questions into supported, standard and extension versions for Year 10. Keep the same learning goal. Include hints for the supported version, reasoning questions for extension, and worked solutions for each version.
Before uploading material, follow your school’s requirements and remove confidential information and identifiable student work. Check every converted equation, label, diagram and answer before sharing it with a class.
Prompts to try
Give the AI a topic, level, purpose and clear constraints. These examples work as starting points for school-approved AI tools.
Year 8 algebra
Plan a 40-minute Year 8 lesson on solving linear equations. Include a misconception check, three worked examples, five practice questions and two extension problems. Show every solution and explain which prior knowledge is needed.
VCE Mathematical Methods
Create three original questions about stationary points of cubic functions for VCE Mathematical Methods. Include one question requiring interpretation of a graph. State any restrictions, provide worked solutions and flag assumptions. I will check alignment with the current study design.
Create, review and send emails
Use AI to draft parent emails, class reminders, invitations and follow-up messages. Describe the purpose, audience and tone, and use placeholders for personal details.
- 1. CreateDraft a clear message with AI.
- 2. ReviewCheck names, facts, dates and tone.
- 3. SendSend through your approved email account.
Draft in Outlook
Where your school provides Copilot in Outlook, you can generate and edit a draft within your email application. Review it before sending. Available features depend on your account and school settings.
Automate routine messages
Power Automate can connect approved forms, lists and Outlook to send reminders or prepared messages. Include an approval step before sending, and test the recipients, conditions and attachments first.
A standalone AI chat needs an authorised email connection or automation to send messages. Follow your school’s rules for connected tools and confidential information.
A prompt to try
Draft a warm, concise email reminding parents about an upcoming mathematics event. Use [event], [date], [time], [location] and [reply deadline] as placeholders. Include a subject line and do not invent missing details.
Videos for teachers
Google AI Educator Series: introduction
Google for Education introduces its practical series on classroom materials and learning support with AI.
Microsoft Copilot Teach: tutorial
Mike Tholfsen demonstrates lesson plans, quizzes, rubrics and learning activities in the Microsoft 365 Copilot Teach module.
Tool access and available features depend on your school account and settings.
Free courses and guides
AI-powered teaching
Microsoft Learn modules on classroom uses, prompting, feedback and reviewing AI outputs.
Generative AI for Educators with Gemini
A free, two-hour Google course with practical activities for lesson preparation and classroom work.
An Essential Guide to AI for Educators
AI for Education’s free, two-hour introductory course on prompting, classroom applications and responsible use.
AI literacy for Australian educators
Cool.org’s free guide includes practical teaching examples, reflection activities and videos. No account is needed for the guide.
Course providers may require an account. Availability and tool features can change. External links open in a new tab.
Before you share an AI-generated resource
- Check every calculation, worked solution, diagram and reference.
- Check curriculum alignment, notation, accessibility and suitability for your class.
- Follow your school’s AI policy and use approved tools. Keep student names, identifying details and confidential records out of example prompts.
- Retain teacher judgement for assessment and feedback. Set clear expectations when students use AI.
For more professional learning, visit Professional Learning.