Revisiting Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) development for the age of generative AI

Webb, M. E., MacCallum, K., Torrington, J., Butler, D., Shelton, C., Lee, J., Linden, T., Cohen, J. D., Carvalho, A. A., Bower, M. and Røkenes, F. M. (2026) Revisiting Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) development for the age of generative AI. Computers and Education Open, 11. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2666-5573

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Abstract

This paper examines how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in K-12 education interacts with teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK). Using the Refined Consensus Model (RCM) as an analytical framework, we analysed how GenAI influences the three PCK domains: personal PCK (pPCK), collective PCK (cPCK), and enacted PCK (ePCK). Guided by the research question "How can teachers and GenAI collaborate to develop and use PCK and pedagogical reasoning in K-12?", we analysed three researcher-constructed vignettes – hypothetical but plausible scenarios representing GenAI use in planning, classroom interaction, and assessment – to derive analytical propositions about the PCK-GenAI relationship. Our analysis suggests tensions between traditional PCK boundaries and GenAI-mediated practices, particularly regarding the RCM's plan-teach-reflect cycle. We propose that GenAI can amplify teachers' PCK when critically evaluated, but poses risks for novice teachers whose pPCK is still developing. The paper identifies how GenAI reconfigures boundaries between personal and collective knowledge, reshapes enacted practice when AI becomes a co-constructor of teaching, and highlights the continued centrality of teacher expertise. We propose directions for supporting effective human-GenAI collaboration in PCK development and discuss implications for teacher education.

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: generative artificial intelligence, pedagogical consent knowledge, pedagogical reasoning
Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences
Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Education and Teaching
Research Entities > Centre for Education Research, Innovation and Equity
Depositing User: Chris Shelton
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2026 14:51
Last Modified: 10 Nov 2026 14:51
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8795

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