Navigating Professional Growth in AI in Language Education: Narratives from a University in Hong Kong

The research investigates how language teachers at a leading Hong Kong university conduct their independent professional growth. Through an in-depth analysis of teacher narratives, the present study examines how these teachers navigated their professional growth of Generative AI (GenAI) literacy amidst the transformative influence of AI technologies. Stockwell (2024) states that modern higher education institutions require a reliable AI competency framework for teachers to perform their duties effectively. Language teachers face the most significant challenge because they need to develop strategic plans for new curriculum designs and assessment reforms and innovative teaching methods that match the fast-changing educational environment of language subjects and their assessment methods. Moorhouse et al. (2024) believe that front-line language teachers can manage GenAI challenges in language education through formal training programs. Educators face challenges in accessing traditional Continuous Professional Development (CPD) models because of their limited resources and geographical locations (Tafazoli & Picard, 2023). By utilizing narrative inquiry approach, this study investigates how tertiary language teachers adopt a Self-Directed Professional Development (SDPD) approach to help them boost professional GenAI literacy with the incorporation of online learning, particularly instructional videos and other modes of learning, including forming informal learning communities, both within and beyond the university, to exchange knowledge and best practices, engaging in reflective practices, and actively engaging in a variety of scholarly activities, including conferences, symposiums, and workshops to learn the recent development of GenAI in education and assessment practices. The research results show the need for adaptable professional development systems which focus on practical applications and current needs of teachers beyond conventional CPD.