How can we use ChatGPT in a way that enhances student learning?
I’ve been thinking of the perfect opportunity to trial ChatGPT in the classroom in an authentic way. After researching online how teachers have found value in using Chat GPT in the classroom, and seeking advice from ChatGPT itself, I landed on “editing and revision”.
In the classroom, my students are working on sentence structure. They’re working on varying sentences by using conjunctions and different sentence starters. I wanted students to practice composing sentences, but instead of me providing them generalized feedback, I thought they could use ChatGPT to receive personalized feedback based on their own sentences.
So, students independently composed their sentences and written responses on Google docs and used Chat GPT to seek sentence structure feedback using guiding prompts to ask the chat bot.
I provided a template for them to record their responses, copy/paste in Chat GPTs feedback, and them revise/edit their responses based on the feedback. Here’s a screenshot of the example I provided students:
Writing Task
1. My Initial Response:
Luke and Jen from Among the Hidden are very different. Luke is shy and Jen is not. Jen is a risk taker. Luke doesn’t know a lot about the world and has never gone outside. Jen has other third child friends and knows a lot about the world and government.
2. ChatGPT Feedback:
3. My Revised Response:
Luke and Jen, the third children from Among the Hidden, are very different characters that make them good friends. Luke is very shy compared to Jen who is very outgoing. Luke is isn’t aware about what’s going on in the world, however, Jen is a risk taker and has a wealth of knowledge about the government and the world. These differences make them a good match for each other.
Why it Worked
Personalized Feedback
What I thought this activity provided students was an opportunity to receive feedback on their writing, personalized to what they know about the novel. It wouldn't tell them additional information about the novel, but it would enhance what they already have. The bot could give them multiple examples of varied sentences -- this would take me hours to do for each student!
Independence & Responsibility for Learning
It provides students some independence for their learning. They can use this tool to help them revise their writing and enhance it to the best of their ability. Comparing what ChatGPT gave them and their revised response offers learning opportunities to discuss revision strategies, etc. It doesn't change the content (their reading comprehension), it just provides exposure to different content management options. They can critically review them and weave in similar formatting to their revised responses.
Overall, I think it was a success and want to try using ChatGPT again in the classroom to give students another opportunity to practice using these tools to their benefit. Exploring ways for students to collaborate using the program is something I am interested in trying.
References:
I bring new and engaging ways for students to learn in the classroom. (2023, January 19). THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/i-bring-new-and-engaging-ways-students-learn-classroom
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