Hints, tips and examples for adapting essays to improve resilience to generative AI and encourage application of higher order thinking.
Why adapt essays in response to generative AI?
In an AI-enabled world, it is impossible to develop completely AI-proof assessments. However, the strategies outlined here can make your writing assessments more AI resilient while also prompting academic integrity and encouraging students to use higher order thinking skills.
Generative AI tools can easily replicate the predicable structure of an essay and provide contextually relevant information and examples. Writing essay prompts that ask students to apply critical thinking skills and provide their own analysis will make it more difficult to rely on AI generated material. To do this, consider creating writing assignments based on scenarios, that ask students to adapt information for various audiences and purposes or that invite students to reflect on their personal experiences, opinions or observations.
Since these examples move away from generic and fact-based questions it will be important to incorporate formative activities that prepare students for demonstrating their learning in new ways. For further guidance on providing such support see the Related Links provided.
Acknowledgment: ChatGPT was used to develop the example essay questions on this page.
Create scenario-based essay questions.
When writing scenario-based essay questions, consider the following steps:
- Choose a relevant topic and scenario that aligns with the subject matter or learning objectives you want to assess.
- Identify the key elements or variables within the scenario that students need to consider in their responses.
- Frame the essay question in a way that clearly articulates what students are expected to do.
- Provide instructions that outline the expectations for the essay response. Clarify the length, formatting and any additional requirements, such as incorporating specific theories or referencing credible sources.
- Encourage students to think critically by incorporating open-ended elements in the question or by asking them to consider multiple perspectives.
- Example essay question
Consider the potential impact of climate change on a specific ecosystem of your choice. Describe the key features of the chosen ecosystem and explain how climate change could affect its biodiversity, species interactions, and overall functioning. Drawing on scientific evidence, discuss the potential consequences of these changes for the ecosystem's stability and the services it provides to human communities. Finally, propose and justify at least two strategies that could help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on this ecosystem and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Further tweaks: Require students draw examples/evidence/theories covered in the module.
Ask students to adapt information for various audiences and purposes
When writing essay questions that ask students to adapt information for various audiences and purposes, consider the following:
- Select a topic that requires students to consider different perspectives or tailor information for specific audiences. It could be a subject with varying levels of complexity or a concept that can be applied in different contexts.
- Identify distinct target audiences that the students will need to adapt the information for.
- Clarify the purpose for which the information needs to be adapted.
- Create separate scenarios for each target audience that provide a context in which the students need to adapt the information.
- Write the essay question in a way that prompts students to consider each target audience and purpose. Clearly articulate what students are expected to do, such as explaining how they would modify the information or tailor their communication strategies for each audience.
- Example essay question
Select a scientific concept we have explored in this module and identify three distinct target audiences, such as children, policymakers and the public. Explain how you would modify the language, content and presentation style for each audience to ensure understanding and engagement. Consider the specific needs, interests and prior knowledge of each audience group and discuss the potential challenges and opportunities associated with communicating scientific information to them. Finally, reflect on the importance of adaptability in science communication and explain how this skill contributes to fostering public understanding and support for scientific advancements.
Further tweaks: Provide an example structure for the essay, e.g. with headings and maybe indicative word counts. Doing so helps students tackle unfamiliar formats and avoids them needing to consult AI for advice.
Invite students to reflect on their personal experiences, opinions or observations
When writing essay questions that invite students to reflect on their personal experiences, opinions or observations, consider the following:
- Select a topic that encourages personal reflection and relates to the subject matter or learning objectives you want to assess.
- Encourage students to critically analyse their personal experiences, opinions or observations.
- Prompt students to support their reflections with specific evidence or examples from their personal experiences, opinions or observations.
- Invite students to engage with alternative viewpoints or perspectives that may challenge their own. Ask them to consider how their personal experiences, opinions, or observations align or differ from others and how these different perspectives contribute to a broader understanding of the topic.
- Prompt students to reflect on the implications or insights gained from their personal reflections.
- Example essay question
Reflecting on your own experiences, explore the concept of self-perception and its influence on personal identity. Describe a specific situation in which your self-perception played a significant role in shaping your sense of identity. Analyse the factors that contributed to this self-perception, such as social influences, cultural background or personal beliefs. Discuss the emotional and cognitive processes involved in forming and maintaining this self-perception. Lastly, critically evaluate the impact of this self-perception on your overall well-being and interactions with others. Based on psychological theories and research, propose strategies for promoting a positive self-perception and a healthy, authentic sense of identity.
Further tweaks: Ask students to compare and contrast the insights gained from applying theories or models covered in the module.
Discuss both uses and limitations of AI
- Explore the strengths and weaknesses of AI with your students.
- Tell students when and how use of AI is permitted in assessment. Consider co-creating a contract with students that outlines the different ways that AI can or cannot be used to help with writing assignments.
- Signpost where to find guidance.
- Help students to build critical AI literacy.
What can you do in your School?
- Review how student skills are developed and assessed across the curriculum and how your innovations support that development.
- Review assessments with your School’s Academic Developer.
- Invite EE to give workshop, e.g on developing authentic assessment.
- Join the AI community of practice.