Kuala lumpur: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education requires educators to rethink teaching and assessment methods to ensure students are well prepared for the future.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (MELTA) president Prof Dr Sivabala Naidu said AI should be viewed as a new reality to which educators must adapt, rather than simply as a threat to education. He emphasized that the development necessitates the evolution of conventional teaching and assessment approaches, placing greater emphasis on problem-based, project-based, and task-based learning.

Dr. Sivabala highlighted the need for change in teaching and assessment methods, moving beyond traditional question-and-answer formats. "It cannot be merely asking students questions like 'name the parts of the body'," he stated at a press conference during the 34th MELTA International Conference on English Language Education. The focus, he noted, should shift towards methods that incorporate problem-solving, project execution, and task completion, with corresponding assessment practices.

He likened the transition to AI-enabled education to the initial resistance and eventual acceptance of calculators in schools. Embracing AI, according to him, is crucial for preparing students for future learning and work environments, as students would not be future-ready without exposure to such technology.

Dr. Sivabala also addressed the challenges AI introduces, such as plagiarism and over-reliance on technology. He emphasized the importance of integrating humanistic values in education, such as resilience, responsibility, and ethics, to guide students in using AI appropriately and responsibly.

MELTA supports the Education Blueprint 2026-2035, particularly initiatives focused on English language education and AI-enabled classrooms. Dr. Sivabala acknowledged the need for stronger support for educators to ensure they remain competent and relevant in the evolving educational landscape.

The 34th MELTA International Conference on English Language Education, themed 'Shaping the Future of Learning: Leadership and ELT Practitioners in Action', is being held from Sept 12 to 13 at the Excelsior Hotel. The two-day conference gathers 250 delegates from various sectors of the English language education landscape in Malaysia and abroad.