Handwriting vs. AI: Chanea Bond's Approach to Teaching Writing and Critical Thinking
In Chanea Bond's American literature and composition classes at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, students are encouraged to write by hand instead of relying on generative artificial intelligence. Bond believes that handwriting assignments helps students develop critical thinking and writing skills. While some educators are incorporating AI into their teaching, Bond has found that her students benefit more from traditional writing methods. By focusing on handwritten assignments, Bond ensures that her students learn how to think and write effectively.
Bond's approach involves starting each class with journaling by hand, which helps students build confidence in their writing abilities. She emphasizes the importance of students developing their own voices and critical thinking skills. Bond evaluates various components of the writing process, such as thesis statements and outlines, to ensure that students are actively engaging with the material. By requiring students to handwrite their drafts before typing them out, Bond ensures that they are actively involved in the writing process.
Students like Meyah Alvarez appreciate Bond's approach because it challenges them to think critically and express their own opinions. Bond's ban on AI in the classroom has resonated with many students who are opposed to using technology for ethical and environmental reasons. While some students have used AI in the past, they acknowledge the value of Bond's hands-on approach to writing instruction. Bond's emphasis on developing students' writing skills without relying on AI has been well-received by her students.
Despite the growing trend of incorporating AI in education, Bond remains committed to teaching her students without the use of technology. She believes that students benefit more from developing their writing skills through traditional methods rather than relying on AI. While some educators, like Brett Vogelsinger, advocate for responsible AI use in the classroom, Bond's focus on handwriting assignments has proven to be effective in helping students improve their writing and critical thinking abilities. As the debate over AI in education continues, Bond remains dedicated to providing her students with a foundation in writing that will serve them well in the future.