There is no denying that AI has transformed how we think about data, content, and productivity. We don't want to deny its capacity to support a student's process. Below are a few ways we think AI tools could be helpful.
Asking Questions
AI can be a helpful brainstorming partner! A student could write 3-5 sentences about the narrative they are considering using and then ask AI, “What questions should I answer to use this story to demonstrate my [name trait here]?”
ChatGPT Brainstorming Example (click to expand)
Observations: While the questions provided by ChatGPT will help the student generate narrative details and even a few insights, there is no guidance on structure, balance, or ensuring there is a compelling theme that connects the narratives. This is a great starting point, though, for getting ideas on paper that can then be organized into an outline and focused around a guiding message with a Prompt Writing Coach!
Prompt Entered Into ChatGPT
Last year, I was vice president of my robotics club and I helped increase the membership from 20 to 35 members. I also organized a hackathon and helped new members feel at home. What questions should I answer to demonstrate my drive in a personal essay about my initiative and leadership skills in the robotics club?
From ChatGPT
When writing about your leadership experience in the robotics club, it's important to highlight your initiative, dedication, and ability to inspire and guide others. Here are some questions you could consider answering to showcase your leadership skills effectively:
- What specific actions did you take to increase membership from 20 to 35 members?
- Did you implement any recruitment strategies or initiatives?
- How did you promote the club to attract new members?
- Did you personally reach out to potential members or collaborate with others to expand the club's reach?
- How did you organize the hackathon, and what was your role in its success?
- What steps did you take to plan and execute the event?
- Did you coordinate with sponsors, speakers, or other organizations?
- How did your leadership contribute to the overall experience and outcomes of the hackathon?
- In what ways did you help new members feel welcomed and integrated into the club?
- Did you create mentorship programs or buddy systems?
- How did you facilitate communication and collaboration among new and existing members?
- Did you organize any orientation sessions or social events to foster a sense of community?
- What challenges did you face as the vice president, and how did you overcome them?
- Were there any obstacles in increasing membership or organizing events?
- How did you handle conflicts or setbacks within the club?
- Did you demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges?
- How did your leadership style contribute to the overall success and growth of the robotics club?
- Did you lead by example or empower others to take on leadership roles?
- How did you foster a positive and inclusive environment within the club?
- What feedback or recognition did you receive from club members or advisors regarding your leadership?
By addressing these questions in your personal essay, you can effectively demonstrate your drive, initiative, and leadership skills in the robotics club. Be sure to provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your contributions and accomplishments.
Tone Analysis
Asking AI to review an essay's tone and style will help a student know if they sound confident and polished. It can also identify parts of the essay that are choppy, impersonal, or awkward.
Streamlining
AI can offer suggestions on how to condense writing while maintaining grammatical clarity. However, sometimes, it takes things too far and can shift tone or even meaning! Streamlining with AI should not be accepted carte blanche! Also, it should be noted that while AI can support streamlining, it often doesn't follow word limit parameters, so you'll still need to check the final count.
Summarizing
Asking AI to summarize a draft is an excellent way to check clarity and whether the guiding message is cohesive throughout the essay.
Made with Bullet