AI is reshaping how students write, raising new questions about assessment and learning. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has developed practical guidance to help educators adapt academic writing to this changing context.
Within the Academic Language Programme (ALP), new online resources focus on the intersection of writing skills and AI use. The initiative responds to growing uncertainty among educators, who increasingly struggle to determine whether texts are written independently or with AI support.
Rather than banning AI, the guidance promotes a balanced approach. Educators are encouraged to design assignments that strengthen core writing skills while allowing for responsible use of AI tools. Clear communication about expectations plays a key role in this approach.
A central recommendation is to shift focus from the final product to the writing process. By incorporating drafts, reflections, and guided writing activities, educators gain better insight into how students develop their work. At the same time, assignments become less vulnerable to inappropriate AI use.
This approach is part of a broader rethinking of academic writing. Instead of excluding AI, the focus is on integrating it in ways that support learning outcomes and uphold academic integrity.