Suggestions for Teaching Writing in the Age of GenAI
by İlkem Kayıcan Dipcin
If you have been up to folowing the effect of genAI in educaton, you might have already been tired of hearing the same suggestions about teaching writing and GenAI like these:
"Embrace these advancements and harness learners potential to enhance learning experiences."
"Embrace the opportunities provided by GenAI, adapt to changes, and empower learners to navigate the future effectively."
I feel like saying, “OK, mate, I understand this bit, but tell me how can I do these with hundreds of students enrolled in the same course, where academic writing often restricts creativity and personal expression?
However,
if you or the course designers find yourselves saying this, it means the transition from resistance to acceptance hasn't been completed. The key is acceptance. Letting go of old habits is not easy, but teaching the traditional five-paragraph essay will soon become history as ChatGPT knows it too well.
🔑 Acceptance and Transition: Facilitating Change with GenAI 🌟
Transitioning to GenAI-enhanced writing education requires time and adaptability. You can gradually incorporate the following suggestions into your course design, they do not be fulfilled all at the same time!
📚 Suggestions for Teaching Writing in the Age of GenAI🚀
1️⃣ Emphasize critical thinking skills: While GenAI can assist in generating content, it's crucial to teach learners how to critically analyze and evaluate information before incorporating it into their writing. Encourage them to question assumptions, explore various perspectives, and develop strong arguments.
2️⃣ Find space for creativity and originality: Academic writing may seem rigid, but there's room for creativity. Encourage learners to develop unique perspectives and original ideas within the boundaries of academic requirements. GenAI can inspire and support their writing process, while human creativity remains unparalleled.
3️⃣ Teach effective use of AI tools: Equip learners with the skills to effectively leverage AI-powered writing tools like GenAI. Show them how to streamline the writing process, enhance grammar, and improve overall quality. Demonstrate responsible use and guide them to rely on their own critical thinking and creativity.
4️⃣ Foster collaborative writing experiences: GenAI enables collaborative writing by allowing multiple contributors to work on the same document simultaneously. Encourage learners to collaborate, provide feedback, and learn from each other's strengths. This fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment.
⚠️ Avoiding the "Cheating" Mindset: Designing Authentic Tasks ⚖️
When designing your course, focus on creating authentic tasks and assignments that encourage students to develop their own ideas and perspectives. Instead of worrying about cheating, let the tasks lead students to rely on their own critical thinking, creativity, and the responsible use of GenAI as a valuable writing tool.