With the increasing availability of AI it has become more – not less – important to teach our students the skills needed for critical research and thinking such as
Reading for an argument, checking whether it is proven or at least made plausible by the evidence provided, arguing a resulting assessment.
Composing an argument, providing evidence for the point argued, acknowledging counterarguments and dealing with them.
Documenting all research.
To learn these skills, it is necessary for students to learn to work WITHOUT AI and then check their own ideas against AI-supported output. Only by acquiring these skills will students be able to get a clearer idea of the potential and pitfalls of AI.
The English Department agrees that the effective, ethical, critical, and transparent use of AI needs to be a regular part of the teaching at the Department. Instructors should include it in their lectures, seminars, and teaching. Lecturers at the English Department are committed to engaging with these questions and to continually develop and implement ideas for effectively teaching critical thinking skills in the age of AI.
While the use of AI is generally admissible, prohibiting the use of AI in teaching contexts is generally at the discretion of the instructors.
