Reflection
When I was in my freshman year, my composition class also involved using ChatGPT for reflection. Before this semester began, I thought the use of ChatGPT in this class would be similar to my previous experience. I had a positive attitude toward using these tools because they had worked well for me in freshman year. I expected to use ChatGPT for feedback on my drafts and to structure my outline through Inquiry-Based Learning.
As the class progressed, I realized that English Composition 3 uses ChatGPT and Inquiry-Based Learning in very different ways. We use ChatGPT not only for reflection but also to clarify our ideas and structure the entire research paper. The role of ChatGPT has evolved significantly. It’s more like we are collaborators working on the same project, rather than me being the sole author. Inquiry-Based Learning is practiced extensively in this class. We engage in peer discussions and teacher-student conferences, making Inquiry-Based Learning a more digital and interactive concept as the class continues.
At the beginning of the class, I used ChatGPT to help generate an outline based on my topic. I found it useful for organizing my ideas and providing information I could incorporate into my writing. ChatGPT certainly helped me build a logical outline without spending too much time on it. Additionally, I received valuable feedback from my peers and professor, especially when working on the entire research paper. I could follow their instructions and analyze my paragraphs using the questions they provided. Teacher-student conferences helped me identify errors in my academic writing and clarify the direction of my work, making it easier to revise.
However, despite all the benefits, I did encounter some challenges during this class. It was easier for me to use ChatGPT for reflection and error-checking, but I found it more difficult to give the right prompts for ChatGPT to generate a paragraph that closely reflected my ideas. Additionally, I struggled to see any noticeable improvement in my writing skills. I understand that as AI tools continue to mature, it's important to learn how to work with them. However, as a Foreign Language major, I worry that I may not yet have the skills to generate content independently using these tools.
Overall, with the help of ChatGPT and Inquiry-Based Learning, I was able to examine my writing more objectively. These methods helped me clarify my points and identify mistakes in my paragraphs. For students with intermediate to upper-intermediate writing proficiency, I think they should try incorporating AI tools into their writing. Teachers could also consider using Inquiry-Based Learning in their classes, as it helps students refine their ideas and critically evaluate their thoughts.
