AI-Based Writing Assignments for Any Discipline

Introduction

As artificial intelligence (AI) enters the educational landscape, educators are grappling with how to use it ethically and effectively in the classroom. Rebecca Snyder, an instructor in the English Department, suggests a thoughtful approach to integrating AI into writing assignments. This article outlines a detailed assignment she has developed to enhance critical thinking among students while educating them about the nuances of AI-generated content.

The Assignment Overview

The assignment begins with students selecting a specific topic to write about, such as a response to Javier Zamora's memoir "Celo," which recounts his experiences as an unaccompanied minor coming to the United States. However, this framework can be adapted to any topic in various disciplines. The process unfolds in three stages:

1. Student Writing: Students first write an essay based on their own research and understanding, allowing them to engage deeply with the material before introducing the AI component.

2. AI-Generated Essay: After completing their drafts, students use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate an essay on the same topic, effectively mirroring their prompt.

3. Analysis and Evaluation: Students are then tasked with analyzing the quality of the AI-generated essay. This step includes evaluating the use of sources, language quality, logical consistency, and biases present in the AI's writing.

Implementing the Assignment

Snyder emphasizes the importance of contextualizing the assignment with lectures about AI. This education informs students of how AI works—recognizing it as a tool for pattern recognition that lacks true understanding or original thought. Key discussions include the ethical implications of AI, potential biases in AI-generated content, and the significance of information literacy in today's digital world.

Snyder also provides students with a rubric for analyzing the AI essay, ensuring that they can identify logical fallacies, quality of arguments, and sources utilized. The analysis often reveals discrepancies between what AI claims and the actual content of the sources, fostering an informed discourse on critical thinking and research evaluation.

Benefits and Considerations

The assignment offers multiple benefits:

• Enhanced Writing Skills: By comparing their work with AI-generated content, students identify strengths and weaknesses in their writing abilities.
• Critical Engagement: The deep dive into source material allows students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topics.
• Increased Responsibility: The careful evaluation of both their essays and the AI-generated text underscores the importance of acknowledging voice and originality in academic writing.

Snyder acknowledges concerns about over-reliance on AI for writing assistance, notably that AI can homogenize language usage and weaken students' original thinking. Educators should carefully consider how to incorporate AI into their teaching while fostering authentic learning experiences.

Keywords

AI, writing assignments, critical thinking, analysis, ethical implications, information literacy, logical fallacies, student engagement, writing skills, source evaluation.

FAQ

Q1: What is the primary goal of using AI in writing assignments?
A1: The main goal is to enhance critical thinking and information literacy among students while allowing them to evaluate AI-generated content against their own work.

Q2: How does the assignment structure help students?
A2: The assignment structure allows students to engage deeply with a topic through personal writing before comparing it with AI-generated output, facilitating critical analysis and personal expression.

Q3: What ethical considerations should educators keep in mind?
A3: Educators should ensure that students understand the limitations and biases of AI, reinforcing the importance of originality and personal voice in their writing.

Q4: Can this assignment be adapted for other disciplines?
A4: Yes, the assignment can be modified to suit various subjects by focusing on relevant prompts and research materials specific to those disciplines.

Q5: How can educators create effective prompts for AI?
A5: Educators should focus on clarity and specificity when crafting prompts to ensure that AI-generated responses are relevant and substantial.