ChatGPT

A number of years ago before AI, one of my tutors was working with a student in writing. She was struggling and often turned in assignments late with mediocre content.  On one occasion, a miracle occurred, or so it seemed. She submitted an exceptional five-paragraph essay. There were no punctuation or grammatical errors, her topic sentences were clearly expressed and further developed in each paragraph. The assignment was good, actually a little too good, so the tutor did some digging on-line. A Google search of “process essay” revealed, on the third page of the search, almost the same essay as the one she had submitted. Embarrassing. 

Fast forward ten years. Today, with the use of ChatGPT, students can create content with a button push. Teachers, with GPTzero, can easily detect AI generated essay submissions. Repeated plagiarism can have serious consequences. So, what to do? Take the time needed to learn to write!

Learning the fundamentals of expository writing does a couple of things. First and most importantly, students learn to think, to develop and support their ideas, and to consider how to express their ideas to readers in compelling and clear ways. Expository writing is a process with rules and principles that guide this category of written expression. Learning these rules and principles is essential to becoming a good writer. Communicating on X (Twitter), Facebook, or by text requires little in the way of reflective thinking. This explains the acerbic character of many exchanges between people on these platforms.

If you want your student to acquire these important writing skills, here are a few options:

Do it yourself: If you plan to teach your Jr. high/Sr. high  student yourself the basic skills of expository writing, I recommend a book that’s been around for many years: Jensen’s Format Writing. I’ve used it myself in several contexts. 

On-line writing tutoring: Many of my clients in our Diploma Program have utilized the services of a writing teacher from Write at Home: https://www.writeathome.com. I’ve heard very positive things about all of their teachers.

In person/remote classes: Check out organizations like Firmly Planted (Vancouver and Tigard) and First Class for in-person instruction. For virtual instruction delivered via zoom, email us and let us know you’re interested in learning about an introductory class we are considering offering this coming January.  

Thanks always for reading!

Curt Bumcrot, MRE

We’d like to recommend the learning experts at the HELP organization. They are currently offering a learning assessment at a discounted price. Click here or call 503.635.3389 to find out how this assessment may help you identify why your child is struggling academically and what can be done to address the challenges you are facing.