Writing with AI: Designing Activities for Emerging ESL Learners
- Zanurin Mohamad Safar
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The rapid advancement of technology has introduced revolutionary tools into the classroom, transforming how students learn and engage with content. For emerging ESL learners, writing can often be a daunting task due to linguistic barriers and the fear of making mistakes. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be a valuable ally in cultivating confidence and empowering these learners to develop their writing skills.
While AI opens new doors for teaching and learning, it is important to note that it complements, rather than replaces, the role of teachers. Educators play a crucial role in adding human empathy, cultural context, and creative guidance to the learning experience. Together, AI and teachers form a dynamic partnership that not only builds linguistic competence but also nurtures the confidence of emerging ESL learners.
By integrating AI into ESL writing instruction, we pave the way for learners to thrive in an increasingly digital world, while fostering their self-belief and capability to express themselves in English. This blend of technology is absolutely in line with the National Digital Education Policy endorsed by the Malaysian Education Ministry.
Is it possible to bring digitalisation into classrooms that lack basic facilities, such as individual computers for each learner? Can AI be meaningfully integrated into English lessons using only an LCD projector and a teacher’s laptop? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. Below are sample activities that incorporate AI to support the development of writing skills among emerging or weaker learners.
Activity 1:
Using ChatGPT or any AI tools, teachers may give this prompt; “Write a 40-word paragraph for weak ESL learners about how to preserve one’s culture and tradition (Part 2 Writing) using very basic vocab and very simple sentence structures”. As for ChatGPT, it offers these two responses.
Teachers can ask lower intermediate learners to read both responses (displayed on LCD screen) below and make their preference. If possible, let them discuss and share the reasons for their choice.
Response 1: We can keep our culture and tradition alive in many ways. We can speak our language at home. We can wear traditional clothes. We can cook traditional food. We can tell stories to children. We must remember our history and customs.
Response 2: We can keep our culture and tradition alive in many ways. We can wear traditional clothes and eat traditional food. We can teach our children our language. We can celebrate our festivals. We can tell stories about our history and past.
Activity 2
Besides, teachers can also highlight one or two simple and compound sentences in both responses and relate sentence structures to the assessment criterion for writing; Language. Then, assign the weak learners to identify other simple and compound sentences. Despite their low proficiency, at least they are still exposed to different types of sentence structures.
Activity 3
Obviously, both responses lack connectors and cohesive devices. Teachers can give the task to those emerging learners to examine the text on the LCD screen and add appropriate connectors / cohesive devices in the two paragraphs. Then, teachers should also relate the cohesive devices used, to organisation, an equally important criterion in the assessment of their writing.
Activity 4
If Response 1 and Response 2 above are still considered difficult for weak learners, teachers may ask AI tools to further simplify them. Based on the new simplified paragraph, teachers may assign learners tasks suggested in Activity 1, Activity 2 and Activity 3 above. These are the new responses offered by ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini AI. It seems that Gemini AI offers the best revised paragraph for weak learners.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
In essence, what truly matters is not the abundance of technology, but the creativity and willingness of ESL educators to adapt and innovate. Even with only an LCD projector, a screen and a laptop, digital education can still be embraced meaningfully by ESL educators. With the right mindset and purposeful planning, even the simplest tools can open the door to powerful, AI-enhanced learning experiences.
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