How can ESL teachers use AI to teach writing? Sounds strange because some of us, like me, tried the avoidance strategy. No AI in this writing class, I thought. I was delighted with the results but realized some accommodation is required. AI ain’t going away. Here are a few AI lesson ideas to help teachers use AI and not feel like it’s taking over.
AI-Assisted Writing Feedback
Utilize AI tools that provide automated writing feedback to ESL students. Students can submit their written assignments to the AI tool, which will analyze the text for grammar errors, vocabulary usage, and coherence. Students can then review the feedback and make revisions accordingly.
AI-Generated Writing Prompts
Use AI-generated writing prompts to stimulate creativity and engage students in writing activities. AI tools can generate unique and thought-provoking prompts based on various topics, allowing students to explore different writing styles and develop their skills.
AI Grammar and Vocabulary Practice
Integrate AI-powered grammar and vocabulary practice tools into writing lessons. These tools can provide targeted exercises and interactive activities that focus on specific grammar rules or vocabulary topics, helping students improve their language accuracy and fluency in writing.
AI Editing Stations
Create AI editing stations where students can upload their written work for automated editing. Use AI tools that can detect common errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students can then compare the AI-edited version with their original work and make necessary revisions.
AI Collaborative Writing
Facilitate collaborative writing activities using AI collaborative tools. Students can work together on a shared document, and the AI tool can suggest edits, provide feedback, and assist in organizing ideas. This promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and revision skills.
AI Storytelling
Engage students in AI storytelling activities. Provide students with an AI-generated story starter or ask them to generate their own. Students can then build upon the initial text, creating unique and imaginative narratives.
AI Virtual Writing Tutor
Introduce students to virtual writing tutors powered by AI. These tools can simulate one-on-one writing sessions, providing students with personalized feedback, suggestions, and strategies to improve their writing skills. Students can interact with the virtual tutor and receive guidance on their writing assignments.
AI-Enhanced Peer Review
Incorporate AI tools to support peer review sessions. Students can use AI tools to assess and provide feedback on their peers’ writing. These tools can analyze aspects such as clarity, coherence, and vocabulary usage, enabling students to offer constructive feedback and engage in meaningful writing discussions.
AI Revision Assistant
Introduce an AI revision assistant tool that guides students through the revision process. This tool can analyze students’ writing and provide specific suggestions for improvement, such as enhancing sentence structure, improving transitions, or adding supporting evidence.
AI Genre Exploration
Utilize AI tools to explore different writing genres. Students can analyze and compare AI-generated texts from various genres, examining the language features, organization, and purpose of each. This activity helps students develop a deeper understanding of different writing styles and enhances their ability to adapt their writing to specific contexts.
Remember to select and adapt these AI tools based on the proficiency level and specific needs of your ESL students. Incorporating AI into ESL writing lessons can enhance engagement, provide targeted feedback, and support students’ growth as proficient writers in English.
While these ideas sound interesting, for those of us who have never experimented with AI, they are too general. Which AI do you use? Please provide an example lesson. Until I know more, I cannot incorporate AI use in my classes at the college level. Thanks!