Brainstorming, Comparison, and Reflection

Assignment created by Justin Greene (Department of English)

Invention writing #1

Outcomes

Writing Processes and Reflective Practice

Activities

1. On a sheet of paper, the same document you drafted your introduction, or a new Word/Google Doc, create a list using the following questions:
   • What characteristics does “home” hold?
   • How have you developed/come to know these characteristics?
   • Why is "home" a fluid concept—one that changes with a person’s identities, experiences, age, location, peers/family, etc.?
   • If you can’t think of anything, just write gibberish of the same word over until something pops into your brain.
2. Next, go to Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. Modify the following prompt to give the AI a role | task | format:

   You are a first-year college student away from home for the first time and are tasked with brainstorming on the concept of “home.” Generate a list of 10 characteristics about the concept “home” that could be expanded into a 1000-word essay.

3. After the AI has created its list, compare the output to your list and reflect on the similarities and differences:
   • What ideas interest you between the two lists?
   • How can you expand upon things that you and/or AI created?
   • Why could using AI to help you “think” be useful?
   • What issues could arise by using AI in the invention stage of the writing process?
4. Consult the list of questions on “home” as needed to extend discussion and reflection:
   • The Essence of Home: Describe the emotions that the word “home” evokes in you.
   • Home’s Evolution: Reflect on how your definition of “home” has changed over the years.
   • Cultural Tapestry: How does your cultural background shape your concept of “home?”
   • Home and Harmony: In what ways does “home” represent a place of balance in your life?
   • The Architecture of Comfort: What physical attributes make a space feel like “home” to you?
   • Home’s Melody: If “home” had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it and why?
   • A Place or a Feeling: Do you associate “home” more with a location or a sentiment?
   • Home’s Boundaries: How do you establish personal boundaries within your “home?”
   • The Language of Home: What languages do you speak at “home,” and how do they influence your sense of belonging?
   • Home’s Teachings: What has “home” taught you about love, conflict, and resolution?
   • Shared Spaces: How do shared spaces within your “home” foster a sense of community or isolation?
   • Home’s Flavors: Describe a meal that tastes like “home” and the memories it brings.
   • The Colors of Home: What colors do you associate with “home,” and what emotions do they evoke?
   • Home as a Sanctuary: In what ways does “home” serve as a refuge for you?
   • Home’s Transformation: Share a story of a time when “home” underwent a significant change.
   • Literacy of Home: How do you “read” the spaces within your “home?”
   • Home’s Legacy: What traditions from your “home” do you wish to pass on?
   • Home in Nature: How does the natural environment around your “home” influence your daily life?
   • Home’s Rhythms: Describe the daily rhythms and routines that define your “home.”
   • The Future of Home: Imagine your ideal “home” in the future. What has changed, and what has remained the same?
5. For your weekly submission, include these items:
   • Your list
   • Your prompt for generative AI (if applicable)
   • The generative AI output (if applicable)
   • Your reflection

AI-Enhanced Writing Exploration & Group Work

Class Duration: 50 minutes

Activity Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Briefly introduce the essay “Ten Ways To Think About Writing: Metaphoric Musings for College Writing Students” and the day’s objectives.
2. Summarization Relay (15 minutes):
   • Divide students into groups of 4–5.
   • Assign each group a different section of the essay’s summary.
   • Groups read, discuss, and prepare to present the main points of their section.
3. Writing Rules Workshop (10 minutes):
   • Groups brainstorm to create ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ writing rules based on the essay.
   • Select three ‘Do’ Rules that are encouraged and three ‘Don’t’ Rules to avoid.
4. Generative AI Integration (5 minutes):
   • Introduce the generative AI tool (like Copilot) to the class.
   • Each group inputs one ‘Do’ Rule into the AI to generate a positive writing example.
5. Group Presentations (5 minutes):
   • Groups take turns presenting their ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ Rules.
   • Share the AI-generated example for their ‘Do’ Rule.
6. Class Discussion (5 minutes):
   • Discuss the presented rules and AI examples.
   • Highlight the importance of understanding and applying writing principles.
7. Reflection (10 minutes):
   • Students individually write a short reflection on how AI can assist in learning writing skills, using the following prompt: How can generative AI serve as a tool for enhancing our understanding and practice of writing?

Notes for Instructor

• Ensure that each group has access to the AI tool and understands how to use it.
• Facilitate the discussion by asking probing questions and encouraging critical thinking.
• During the reflection period, circulate the room to offer guidance and answer any questions.
• This schedule ensures that each component of the activity is given adequate time, while also allowing students to reflect on their learning experience with generative AI in writing.

Navigating Home and Literacy with Generative AI

Objective

To utilize generative AI as a tool for enhancing the exploration of “home” and literacy concepts, fostering creativity, and encouraging critical engagement with AI-generated content.

Materials Needed

• Access to a generative AI platform (ensure all students have access)
• Writing materials
• Timer or stopwatch
• Space for pairs to discuss

Activity Outline

1. Introduction to Generative AI (5 minutes)
   • Introduce the concept of generative AI and its capabilities in creating text-based content.
   • Explain how AI can be used as a tool to generate ideas, prompts, and even challenge our thinking.
2. AI-Assisted Freewriting (10 minutes)
   • Provide each student with a unique prompt generated by AI related to the concept of “home” and literacy.
   • Set a timer for 10 minutes and ask students to freewrite their responses, incorporating or reacting to the AI-generated content.
3. Pairing and AI Interaction (5 minutes)
   • Have students form pairs and share their AI-generated prompts and freewriting responses.
   • Each pair should use the AI to generate a new piece of content that combines elements from both students’ writings.
4. Discussion and Critical Analysis (5 minutes)
   • Instruct pairs to discuss the AI-generated content: What surprised them? What seemed accurate or inaccurate?
   • Encourage them to critically analyze the role of AI in understanding complex human concepts like “home” and literacy.
5. Share and Reflect (5 minutes)
   • Reconvene as a class and have a few pairs share their AI-generated content and insights.
   • Discuss the potential and limitations of using AI in creative and reflective writing.

Closure

Summarize the discussions and reflect on how generative AI can be both a creative tool and a subject for critical thinking.

Follow-Up

Assign a reflective essay on the experience of interacting with generative AI and its impact on their understanding of the session’s topics.

 

Last Updated on July 8, 2025