To AI or Not to AI? Reviving University Essays with Chatbots

Artificial intelligence (AI) could actually help improve how university students write essays. However, this revival hinges on our ability to rethink the history and true purpose of essay writing.

The Future of Essay Writing

The student essay, a traditional form of academic writing, may transform due to AI. While these essays might not look the same as they have for decades, this change should not be seen as a loss. Many people would not miss the repetitive and formulaic writing that has often characterized student essays.

The concern over students not creating their own essays in an era when AI is prevalent is understandable. We tend to view essays as not merely a test of knowledge, but as a way to develop essential skills like evaluating information and expressing ideas.

The Writing Process

Writing an essay typically involves several steps: jotting down notes, analyzing sources, drafting, and revising. Traditionally, this process takes time, allowing students to think critically about their ideas and convey them effectively. However, AI technology can compress this entire process into mere seconds, making it tempting for students who are often pressed for time because of jobs and demanding coursework.

The Historical Context of Essays

Essays have not always been formulaic. The first person to use the term "essay" was a French lawyer, Michel de Montaigne, in the 16th century. Montaigne's essays were varied and personal, exploring topics from friendship to solitude, and they reflected an individual's thoughts in relation to the knowledge of the time.

Montaigne’s writing shows the importance of personal experience in the essay. He viewed writing as a continuous process that acknowledges limitations and the evolving nature of knowledge. Such a perspective can guide us toward a redefined concept of essays that embraces exploration rather than strict correctness.

Implementing Change

At institutions like The University of Sydney, educators are actively rethinking what it means to write essays. Instead of adhering to rigid formats, students are encouraged to generate ideas collaboratively in class based on newly encountered evidence. This emphasis on individuality and exploration changes the focus from merely producing an end product to appreciating the journey of thought and expression.

Using AI Effectively

Critical engagement with AI tools can also benefit students. For example, by developing a chatbot for analyzing Shakespeare's language, students can interactively explore whether a word is used metaphorically, helping them gain a deeper understanding.

Teaching students to use AI for generating ideas—like identifying sources or summarizing concepts—rather than just mimicking the final work they are expected to produce can be highly beneficial.

The Revived Purpose of Essays

The goal in reimagining the student essay in the age of AI should align with the original motivations behind essay writing: fostering individual thought and encouraging the testing of these thoughts against shared knowledge. By emphasizing the exploratory nature of essays and focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, students can create richer, more meaningful work.

If we are concerned about the rapidity that AI offers, we can break down the essay into smaller, more manageable pieces that encourage thinking and discussion rather than rushing to superficial conclusions.

AI, education, essays