Scientists built an AI robot that pretends to be an angry parent so that teachers can practise handling difficult conversations |
Teachers can face difficult conversations with parents. Researchers at La Trobe University in Australia are trying to change that with an AI-powered talking robot called Fletch. The robot can take on the role of a disgruntled parent, allowing trainee teachers to practise responding to complaints, arguments and other difficult conversations in a controlled setting. According to an online report, Fletch can also change its responses based on what the teacher says, making each conversation feel less like a fixed script and more like a real interaction.
The AI robot acts like a concerned or angry parent
As stated in the Phys.org report, Fletch has been programmed using insights from experienced teachers and their real-life interactions with challenging people in schools. Researchers interviewed teachers to understand the kinds of conversations they face with parents. The scenarios included a parent who is concerned about their child’s falling grades and another who disputes their child’s suspension.Fletch adopted different personas and recreated these situations with trainee teachers. The AI then responded to what the teacher says and can modify its reactions during the conversation. This allows teachers to practise handling situations that may become difficult or emotional.
Teachers can practise before facing a real situation
The main idea behind Fletch is to give teachers a chance to make mistakes and learn in a safe environment before dealing with a similar situation at school. Lead researcher Therese Keane, a professor at La Trobe’s School of Education, said verbal aggression has become a workplace concern for teachers in Australian schools.“Exposure to verbal aggression contributes to stress, burnout and difficulties in retention, further compounding teacher shortages,” Keane said. She added that trainee teachers and people entering the profession often receive little formal preparation for handling difficult conversations with parents.“This project addresses that gap by equipping preservice and early-career teachers with practical strategies and confidence to de-escalate challenging interactions,” Keane said.
Fletch changes its reactions based on the teacher’s response
Unlike a simple training video or a pre-written role-playing exercise, Fletch is said to be designed to interact with the person standing in front of it. It uses social cues, communication and behaviour to engage in a conversation. That means a teacher’s response can influence how the conversation develops. The aim is to help teachers learn how to communicate clearly and calm situations before they escalate.Recently retired school principal Henry Grossek, who spent 57 years working in Melbourne classrooms, said he had seen verbal aggression against teachers increase over the years.“This is a skill that teachers new to the profession need to practice in a safe and nonthreatening environment,” Grossek said. “Fletch gives all teachers a chance to build their confidence and clear messaging before they get to the classroom.”Fletch will primarily be used to prepare La Trobe’s preservice teachers before they begin working in classrooms. Several schools in Victoria have also signed up to use the system to train existing staff.
