Pedagogical Tact Meets AI: Rethinking EFL Teaching for the Future

Abstract

This study aims to analyze a significant concept in education, pedagogical tact (PT), in the ever-developing artificial intelligence era. PT was defined by Van Mannen in 1995 as “knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do.” In this sense, tactful teaching can be described as empathizing with and motivating students, managing the classroom effectively, being attentive to students’ needs, and enhancing learner autonomy by facilitating meaningful decision-making. As effective learning starts with an effective learning environment, teachers should create an engaging and inclusive classroom atmosphere that accommodates students from diverse backgrounds with varied experiences and needs. This diverse group of unique learners makes the classroom a dynamic and unpredictable place. Acknowledging these differences and tailoring the theoretical knowledge according to their needs is key to creating a healthy learning environment. Thus, PT is one of the most important qualifications that teachers should possess. Considering the rapid development of technology and the increasing omnipresence of AI in daily life, PT has a critical role in successfully navigating AI integration in EFL teaching. It is vital for EFL teachers to act tactfully in the classroom when facing new challenges and changes. Therefore, this study will define the PT, explain its significance, discuss AI’s effect on EFL teaching, and present examples of how to improve EFL teachers’ PT in the AI era.