^{Themes: Assessment, Engagement, How I’ve been using AI, Teaching Strategies
Audience & Subject: General (All Grades); Languages}

Introduction

As educators, we understand the challenge of providing timely, personalized feedback to every student. Unfortunately, this feedback often arrives too late to be effectively integrated into their work, reducing its impact and wasting valuable time. In an ideal scenario, continuous, personalized feedback would be seamlessly provided throughout the creation process, enabling students to actively learn from and apply feedback in real-time. Thanks to advancements in AI technology, such as ChatGPT, this ideal vision is becoming a reality. Now, students can actively engage with their work, benefiting from real-time feedback and taking a more proactive role in their learning process (Wisniewski et al., 2020). By embracing the AI-powered feedback approach detailed below, educators can streamline the feedback process, saving valuable time, and cultivating a more engaging, effective, and personalized learning experience for all students.

AI-Powered Feedback Process

With the integration of AI-powered feedback tools like ChatGPT the focus shifts towards prioritizing the learning process over mere output. Within my Business Writing class, students are encouraged to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT for feedback and revision purposes, with a strong emphasis on accountability and critical evaluation. This structured approach begins with students crafting an original first draft based on course readings and class discussions. Then, they use ChatGPT to receive feedback, engaging in thoughtful reflection to assess the alignment of AI suggestions with the course content. This real-time feedback enables students to immediately apply what they have learned, thereby enhancing their grasp of the material and optimizing their potential for improvement and success (Mollick & Mollick, 2023).

Benefits

• Fostering Critical Thinking Skills. The adoption of AI-powered feedback promotes continuous reflection and refinement of students’ work, emphasizing an iterative approach over a one-and-done mentality (Mollick & Mollick, 2023). AI-powered feedback prompts students to think critically about their work, analyze different perspectives, and refine their understanding. This process also encourages the development of metacognitive skills, prompting students to reflect on their own thinking processes and consider what aspects of their work require further attention and improvement (Winne, 2022).
• Creating Inclusive and Empowering Classrooms. The AI-powered personalized feedback approach promotes inclusivity and empowers students, regardless of their initial proficiency levels. Providing extra support to struggling students and offering opportunities for high-achieving students to further develop their skills and creativity effectively levels the playing field for all learners. This personalized guidance increases confidence and engagement among students, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning process and cultivate a growth mindset (Kopp, 2023).
• Empowering Educators as Facilitators. In this approach, educators play a central role as facilitators of critical thinking development. They guide students through metacognitive processes, asking probing questions, fostering exploration, and providing support for critical thinking (Mollick & Mollick, 2023). Moreover, educators lead by example, demonstrating critical thinking skills by sharing their own methods of evaluating information, decision-making, and refining ideas. Through meta-feedback, educators evaluate student interactions with AI tools, reinforcing effective practices and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement.

Challenges

While AI-powered feedback offers numerous benefits, such as immediate feedback and personalized learning experiences, it also presents challenges. Educators must ensure that students engage meaningfully with AI tools and demonstrate genuine understanding and critical thinking skills. Students must understand that the feedback they receive from the AI tool may not be factually accurate or correct and that they have the autonomy to accept, question, or disregard the AI’s advice (Mollick & Mollick, 2023). Additionally, concerns about academic integrity and reliance on AI-generated content necessitate careful monitoring and guidance from educators.

General Guidelines for Adopting AI-Powered Personalized Feedback

This approach can be adapted to a wide range of tasks and assignments across different subjects. However, when integrating AI-powered feedback tools like ChatGPT into classroom activities, regardless of the subject matter or type of assignment, it’s necessary to follow a structured approach that encourages student engagement and enhances learning outcomes. Here are some general guidelines to help you effectively navigate this process:

• Begin with an AI-Free First Draft. Start by having students complete a task or assignment without the use of AI tools. This allows them to engage in problem-solving or writing tasks independently, laying the foundation for their understanding of the subject matter.
• Reflect on Assignment Requirements. Before utilizing ChatGPT or similar AI tools for feedback, students should reflect on the requirements of the assignment or task. This reflection involves carefully reviewing the assignment instructions and critically evaluating their own original first draft. By considering the assignment parameters, students can identify areas for improvement and specific questions or concerns.
• Formulate Clear and Specific Prompts. Once students have reflected on the assignment requirements, they can move forward to craft clear, specific prompts that align with the learning objectives. Depending on the assignment’s nature, students may opt to incorporate their initial draft into their prompt or simply seek general suggestions. Effective prompts will trigger insightful responses from the AI tool, offering students valuable feedback to refine their work.
• Encourage Critical Evaluation of AI Suggestions. Highlight the critical importance of evaluating the feedback offered by the AI tool. Prompt students to carefully assess whether the AI suggestions align with the assignment instructions, class discussions, and readings (Mollick & Mollick, 2023). If the AI suggestions are consistent with these criteria, students can confidently incorporate them into their work. However, if the suggestions diverge from what has been taught or instructed, students should refrain from implementing them and consider refining their prompts to ensure they receive more accurate and effective feedback.
• Refine & Iterate. After evaluating the AI suggestions, encourage students to refine their prompts if necessary to receive more accurate feedback. Prompt them to iterate on their work based on the feedback received, making necessary adjustments to improve their understanding and execution of the task or assignment.
• Document Interactions with AI. Require students to document their interactions with the AI tool, including the prompts they use and the responses received. This documentation promotes accountability and allows students to reflect on their engagement with AI tools.
• Foster Metacognitive Skills. Encourage students to reflect on their writing process and decision-making, both before and after engaging with AI feedback. This fosters metacognitive skills, helping students become more aware of their learning strategies and areas for improvement (Zhou & Lam, 2019).
• Provide Meta-Feedback. As educators, offer meta-feedback on students’ interactions with AI tools. Assess the quality of their prompts, the effectiveness of the AI responses, and their ability to integrate feedback into their work. Provide guidance on effective practices and areas for growth.
• Encourage Continuous Reflection. Encourage students to engage in ongoing reflection on the effectiveness of integrating AI-powered feedback into the classroom. Prompt them to consider the impact of AI feedback on their learning process and the quality of their work (Mollick & Mollick, 2023). Additionally, gather feedback from students to gain insights into their experiences and perceptions of using AI tools for feedback. Based on this feedback, adjust instructional practices as needed to optimize learning experiences and ensure continuous improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes.

Activities

The versatility of AI-powered feedback extends across various subjects, assignments and tasks in education. In writing assignments, students can draft essays independently before using ChatGPT for feedback and revision suggestions. In math and science classes, AI tools aid students in problem-solving, data analysis, and concept exploration. Similarly, in language learning, AI platforms offer personalized lessons and pronunciation practice. The integration of AI also enhances research projects, peer collaboration, debate preparation, coding exercises, historical analysis, and art/design projects.

Activity 1: Debate Preparation

Overview

Debate preparation enhanced with AI-powered feedback is a structured activity aimed at developing students’ critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills. In this activity, students are divided into teams and given a controversial topic to debate. In preparation for the debate, students can utilize AI-powered feedback tools, such as ChatGPT, to receive specific, immediate, and actionable feedback on their arguments. Students should work together to research the topic, gather evidence, and construct arguments, initially without the use of AI tools. Once they have a solid start, they are encouraged to engage with the AI tool to help them refine their arguments, acknowledge opposing perspectives and strengthen their positions.

Possible Challenges

Two notable challenges include:

1. Integration of AI feedback: Achieving the right balance between incorporating AI feedback and human input can pose a challenge. Encourage students to view AI feedback as an enhancement to their critical thinking and argumentation skills, rather than a substitute.
2. Feedback Quality: Ensuring the quality and relevance of AI-generated feedback can be a concern. Educate students on how to discern helpful feedback from irrelevant or inaccurate suggestions, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation (Mollick & Mollick, 2023).

General Resources:

1. ChatGPT: Utilize AI-powered feedback tools like ChatGPT to provide specific, immediate, and actionable feedback on students’ arguments, helping them refine their positions and strengthen their debating skills.
2. Canadian Student Debating Federation: Provides debate guides and other resources to help students prepare for debate in their classrooms.
3. National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA): Offers resources, guidelines, and materials for debate preparation, including topic ideas, research tips, and debate formats, which can be complemented with AI-powered feedback.
4. Kialo Edu: Kialo is a free tool used by educators to teach critical thinking, facilitate rational classroom debate and explain controversial issues.

Activity 2: Literary Analysis Essay

Overview

In this Literary Analysis Essay activity, students will engage in a structured process of incorporating AI-powered feedback into their analysis of a literary text. They will analyze a chosen literary text, draft an analysis essay, and utilize an AI tool for feedback and revision purposes. This activity aims to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of the text through iterative feedback and refinement.

Possible Challenges

Three notable challenges include:

1. Quality of Feedback: One challenge students may encounter is ensuring the quality of feedback provided by the AI tool. It’s essential to train students to critically evaluate the AI suggestions and assess their alignment with the analysis of the text.
2. Integration of AI Feedback: Another challenge is effectively integrating AI feedback into their analysis without relying solely on the suggestions provided. Students must balance the AI feedback with their own insights and interpretations to maintain the integrity of their analysis.
3. Reflective Practice: Encouraging students to reflect on their interactions with the AI tool and the effectiveness of the feedback process can pose a challenge. It’s important to create opportunities for students to engage in reflective practice and discuss their experiences collaboratively.

General Resources:

• Literary Analysis Guidelines: Offer clear guidelines and rubrics for writing a literary analysis essay, including criteria for evaluation and expectations for critical analysis.
• Graphic Organizer: Provide a graphic organizer like this one to help students plan their essays.
• ChatGPT: Utilize AI-powered feedback tools like ChatGPT to provide specific, immediate, and actionable feedback on students’ arguments, helping them refine their positions and strengthen their debating skills.
• Khanmigo’s Academic Essay Feedback Tool: This tool utilizes AI to provide students with immediate and actionable feedback on their academic essays.
• Reflective Prompts: Provide reflective prompts or questions to guide students in reflecting on their experiences with AI-powered feedback, encouraging them to consider the strengths and limitations of the process.
• Sample Prompt for Feedback: Share this sample prompt to highlight the importance of being specific and detailed when students create their prompts.
• Using Metacognitive Strategies in Education: The Complete Guide [article, videos]

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of AI-powered feedback tools in education revolutionizes the learning experience for both students and educators. By streamlining the feedback process and providing timely, personalized guidance, AI technology empowers students to take an active role in their learning journey. This shift towards prioritizing critical thinking and metacognitive development fosters a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning. However, as we embrace the potential of AI in education, it’s essential to navigate potential challenges, such as ensuring the quality of feedback and maintaining academic integrity. Educators must guide students in effectively leveraging AI tools to enhance their learning outcomes while promoting autonomy and critical evaluation. As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI-powered feedback, we remain committed to shaping inclusive, empowering classrooms that prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.

References

Kopp, W., & Thomsen, B. S. (2023). How AI can accelerate students’ holistic development and make teaching more fulfilling. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/ai-accelerate-students-holistic-development-teaching-fulfilling/

Mollick, E. R., & Mollick, L. (2023). Assigning AI: Seven approaches for students, with prompts. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4475995

Winne, P. H., & Azevedo, R. (2022). Metacognition. In K. Sawyer (Ed.), Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences (3rd ed.; pp. 63-87). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139519526.006

Wisniewski, B., Zierer, K., & Hattie, J. (2020). The power of feedback revisited: A meta-analysis of educational feedback research. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article #487662. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.03087

Zhou, M., & Lam, K. K. L. (2019). Metacognitive scaffolding for online information search in K-12 and higher education settings: A systematic review. Educational Technology Research and Development, 67(6), 1353-1384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09646-7

About the author

name: Kathleen Pierce

Kathleen Pierce is an Academic Associate at Ontario Tech University and holds an M.Ed in Adult Education. Inspired by the emergence of ChatGPT and the need to revamp her business communication courses, she passionately explores innovative AI education approaches. She focuses on equipping students with essential skills like critical thinking for an ever-changing landscape. Kathleen also teaches in Ontario Tech’s Continuous Learning “Generative AI for Leaders” Certificate program, emphasizing AI’s significance for industry leaders.