This project explores the use of AI-driven chatbots to simulate real-life interactions between teacher students and parents, specifically targeting the training of teacher students for difficult conversations. By developing and training chatbots that can adopt the role of parents, we aim to provide a realistic and responsive environment for teacher students to practice communication skills, empathy, and conflict resolution in a safe, controlled setting. These AI-driven simulations enable students to engage in interactive role-play, refine their communication strategies, and receive constructive feedback, ultimately enhancing their preparedness for real-world parent-teacher dialogues.

Effective communication between teachers and parents is a crucial aspect of fostering positive student outcomes and school-home collaboration. However, discussing sensitive issues— such as student performance, behavioral concerns, or emotional well-being— can be challenging for teacher students, requiring both emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills. This project leverages AI-driven chatbots as interactive training tools to help teacher students build these essential skills through structured, scenario-based simulations.

Through a series of chatbot-driven exercises, students will engage in role-play conversations with AI-simulated parents that vary in complexity, emotional tone, and responsiveness.

These interactions will be designed to mimic real-life discussions, providing teacher students with:

• A safe space to practice handling difficult conversations without real-world consequences.

• Exposure to different communication styles, emotional responses, and conflict resolution techniques.

• Adaptive challenges that evolve based on the student's input and engagement.

By assessing how AI chatbots enhance teacher preparation, this project contributes to the broader understanding of AI’s potential to support education and professional development.

Objectives

A) To design chatbot interactions that accurately reflect the complexity of real-life parent-teacher dialogues.

B) To develop adaptive chatbot responses that challenge students’ problem-solving, communication, and empathy skills.

C) To assess the effectiveness of chatbot simulations in preparing teacher students for difficult conversations in real-world educational settings.

Research Questions

1. How can AI-driven chatbots be designed to effectively simulate real-life parent-teacher dialogues?

2. How do interactive AI simulations impact teacher students’ communication skills, empathy, and confidence?

3. What are the key challenges and opportunities in using AI to train teachers for difficult conversations?

4. How do teacher students perceive and engage with AI chatbots as training tools?

5. What are the measurable impacts of AI-driven training on real-world parent-teacher interactions?

Methods

This sub-project employs a mixed-methods approach, including:

• Qualitative case studies: Evaluating chatbot interactions and their impact on student learning.

• Surveys and/or interviews: Gathering feedback from teacher students on their experiences and perceived improvements.

• Observational analysis: Examining communication patterns and skill development through AI-assisted training.