As AI tools become increasingly accessible, educators are exploring ways to ensure that student writing remains authentic and reflective of their own understanding and creativity. Here are actionable strategies to prevent students from relying on AI to write their essays:
1. Design Personal and Reflective Prompts
Personalization is one of the most effective ways to prevent AI use. AI tools struggle to generate meaningful responses for prompts that require students to share personal experiences, reflections, or opinions.
Examples:
"Describe a moment that shaped your perspective on [topic]."
"How would you approach solving a problem in your local community?"
Stuck on writing a prompt? Check out Writable's AI Prompt Generator and Suggestions.
2. Incorporate Class-Specific Contexts
Use classroom discussions, specific texts, or unique activities as the basis for your writing prompts. When assignments hinge on in-class materials, it’s harder for AI to produce appropriate responses.
Examples:
"Discuss how our class experiment relates to [concept]."
"How does the theme of [book read in class] apply to a current event we discussed?"
3. Focus on Critical Thinking and Analysis
AI tools are better at providing factual summaries than they are at original analysis or nuanced arguments. Frame prompts to require evaluation, comparison, or synthesis.
Examples:
"Compare and contrast the perspectives of two authors on [topic]."
"Evaluate the effectiveness of a historical decision and suggest an alternative approach."
4. Lean into the Writing Process
Require drafts, peer feedback, and revisions. It’s harder for AI to handle iterative, collaborative work where the prompt evolves over time.
Examples:
Include a graphic organizer section for brainstorming
Assign a Peer Review in Writable
Require students to reflect on their own writing with a Self-Review
5. Require Multi-Modal Submissions
Encourage students to incorporate other elements alongside written work. In Writable students can include:
Images, diagrams or charts related to their topic.
Audio recordings explaining their thought process.
Recorded video files.
6. Leverage Writable's Authenticity Tools
Platforms like Writable offer tools to track student writing progress over time. Teachers can:
Check AI Detection Insights to see if there is suspected AI use.
Review Authorship Alerts to check on student writing and editing actions.
See student writing progress over time with the detailed Draft History.
7. Educate Students About Academic Integrity
Many students may not fully understand the implications of using AI to complete assignments. Build conversations about academic honesty into your classroom culture. Discuss:
Why authentic writing is important for their growth.
How they can use AI responsibly for brainstorming or inspiration.
8. Stay Informed About AI Tools
Keeping up-to-date on the capabilities and limitations of AI tools enables you to:
Design prompts that exploit AI’s weaknesses (e.g., limited contextual understanding).
Detect AI-generated writing by recognizing patterns like generic phrasing or lack of depth.
By combining these strategies, educators can create assignments that prioritize student originality and make it more challenging for students to rely on AI tools for their essays. Additionally, fostering an open dialogue about responsible AI use helps students understand its value as a learning aid rather than a shortcut.