Enhancing L2 Academic Writing Through Generative AI: A Hands-On Workshop

This workshop explores the potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in supporting L2 academic writing. While student writers often either misuse GenAI by relying on it entirely or avoid it due to concerns about plagiarism, this session introduces a balanced approach to leveraging GenAI chatbots. By positioning the chatbot as a knowledgeable conversational partner, L2 writers can use GenAI for brainstorming, critical thinking, and refining logical structures while focusing on their own original ideas. Matters related to linguistic accuracy and academic style may be handled by GenAI, enhancing the writing process without compromising academic integrity.

The workshop addresses the essential skills L2 academic writers need to become discerning and ethical users of GenAI. These include the ability to recognize when GenAI output is unsatisfactory and the metalinguistic knowledge to guide the chatbot in producing more refined and suitable results. Teachers can use GenAI as an aid, oLering personalized support to students while guiding them in making informed choices about GenAI tools. Ethical considerations, including handling hallucinations in AI output and academic referencing, will also be discussed.

This hands-on session will feature practical examples and exercises using ChatGPT. Participants will learn innovative and responsible methods to integrate GenAI into their academic writing, aiming to improve productivity and critical thinking in L2 contexts.