Abstract:

Generative AI, including technologies like ChatGPT, is profoundly influencing academic writing seminars in higher education. For this reason, the use of AI tools was implemented in a case study in a structured and scientifically validated master’s seminar on academic writing. The one-semester seminar covers both business and engineering disciplines. It utilizes a defined workflow for writing an academic paper in a guided process. The new approach is that working with generative AI, e.g., ChatGPT 4.0, as an up-to-date technology is explicitly recommended, and corresponding licenses are provided to offer all participants equal conditions. Through practice and reflection students are sensitized for a productive, but also scientifically honest and responsible handling of AI tools. Data protection considerations are discussed. Practical experimentation and in-process exercises help students to assess the quality of LLM output. Surveys and observations are conducted before and during the writing process and a final investigation at the end of the semester is planned to investigate which AI tools are currently chosen by novice writers and how they are used. The study evaluates the benefits of generative AI for academic writing in higher education and gives recommendations for its integration into academic writing instruction.

Keywords:

Academic writing, scientific writing, AI, LLM, ChatGPT, writing seminar, higher education.