Our Journey with Minmahaw Continues: Empowering Educators with AI
In the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Minmahaw School in Mae Sot, collaborating on various projects aimed at enriching their teaching practices and empowering their community. This month, that journey continued in Chiang Mai, where StoryLab hosted a paradigm-shifting two-day learning journey for their dedicated team of educators. Together, we explored how AI, specifically Custom GPTs, can become a powerful tool in addressing the unique challenges faced by their school.
Continuing a Shared Mission
My work with Minmahaw has always been grounded in their mission to provide equitable education to marginalized communities. From previous projects during my tenure at HKU to our most recent collaboration through StoryLab, our efforts have focused on fostering creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.
This workshop marked an exciting evolution in that journey, as we turned to AI to support the school’s GED and Higher Ed programs. These programs face distinct challenges, including high volunteer teacher turnover, diverse student needs, and the constant demand for culturally adaptive teaching materials.
Tailoring AI for Education
Over the course of two days, we worked closely with Minmahaw’s educators to design and train two Custom GPTs, each tailored to address specific aspects of their teaching:
- GED GPT: This tool was designed to help educators create culturally and linguistically appropriate teaching materials for their GED program. The GPT adapts resources to suit the diverse backgrounds of Minmahaw’s students, ensuring inclusivity and relevance. Teachers can use the tool to quickly generate lesson plans, quizzes, and exercises that resonate with their students while saving significant preparation time.
- Higher Ed GPT: Developed to address the varying English proficiency levels within the Higher Education program, this tool allows teachers to create differentiated versions of lesson plans. For example, a single plan can be transformed into simpler language for lower-proficiency learners or into more complex, challenging material for advanced students. This adaptability ensures that all students can access and benefit from the curriculum.
Both GPTs share core functionalities that simplify educators’ workflows:
- Streamlined Lesson Planning: Teachers can input key concepts or themes, and the GPTs generate structured lesson plans tailored to their programs.
- Onboarding Support for Volunteers: The tools provide templates and guidelines that make it easier for new or temporary teachers to acclimate quickly.
- Resource Curation: Educators can request relevant supplemental materials, such as reading passages or activity ideas, which the GPTs generate based on their input.
A significant part of the workshop involved “tuning” the GPTs to align with the specific needs of Minmahaw’s students. By refining the tools under the teachers’ guidance, we ensured that the AI targeted the exact learning challenges faced by the school. This process demonstrated a positive working relationship between the teachers and the AI, situating the tools as collaborative partners in the classroom rather than standalone solutions.
The Power of Collaboration
The workshop was deeply collaborative, shaped by the reflections and discussions of the Minmahaw team. Educators highlighted their goals and challenges, including the need for standardized curricula, simplified lesson planning, and strategies to maintain continuity amidst frequent volunteer transitions. These discussions directly informed the design and functionality of the GPTs, ensuring the tools were practical and aligned with real-world teaching needs.
A Space for Learning and Growth
StoryLab provided a nurturing space for this journey, blending structured activities with moments of open exploration. The educators worked hands-on with their GPTs, testing and refining them in simulated scenarios. By the end of the workshop, they had created tools that were not just functional but also meaningful—a testament to their commitment and ingenuity.
Looking to the Future
As the Minmahaw team heads back to Mae Sot, they carry with them more than just new tools—they have the knowledge and confidence to continue this journey of integrating AI into their teaching practices. Their next step is an AI Roundtable Zoom Discussion, where they’ll share their experiences and insights with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders.
For me, this workshop reaffirmed the transformative power of education and the potential of technology to amplify its impact. It’s been a privilege to see how far Minmahaw has come and to contribute to their ongoing story. I look forward to seeing how these AI tools—and the skills gained in building them—will continue to support their mission.
A Shared Commitment
This journey is far from over. My partnership with Minmahaw remains a cornerstone of my work, and I am committed to supporting their vision for inclusive, impactful education. Together, we’re exploring how innovation can bridge gaps, empower educators, and create brighter futures for their students.
To the team at Minmahaw—thank you for trusting me and StoryLab with this part of your journey. It’s an honor to walk this path alongside you.
