Useful links:
- elizabethwardle.net
- miamioh.edu/hcwe
- Writing about Writing, 5th edition
- Miami Writing Institute
- leehopkinswriter.com/podcasts
Quick recap
Lee and Elizabeth Wardle discussed the importance of teaching students how writing works in different contexts, the impact of AI on writing, and the advancements in AI technology. They also explored the concept of genre conventions in writing, the challenges in the publishing industry, and the importance of recognising oneself as a writer and creator.
The conversation concluded with a discussion on the role of AI in writing and the potential topics for future podcasts.
| Writing About Writing: Teaching Context | |
| Lee, Elizabeth, and Ruth discussed the importance of recognizing oneself as a writer and creator, regardless of the type of writing. They emphasized that writing is a lifelong journey and that it’s essential to embrace the challenges and learn from feedback. The conversation also touched on the role of AI in writing, with Elizabeth stressing that AI is a tool and not a replacement for human creativity. The team agreed to continue the discussion in future podcasts, with Elizabeth’s upcoming book being a potential topic. | |
| AI’s Role in Writing and Education | |
| Lee and Elizabeth discussed the impact of AI on writing and its potential as a tool. They agreed that AI is not a replacement for human creativity and that it should be used to assist the writing process. Elizabeth emphasized the importance of teaching students about AI literacy and the need for faculty to have open conversations with students about AI usage. They also discussed the limitations of AI checkers and the importance of focusing on the learning environment rather than policing AI usage. | |
| AI Technology Advancements and Ethics | |
| Lee and Elizabeth discussed the advancements in AI technology, particularly the new Muse engine, which has significantly improved AI capabilities. They also addressed the copyright issue, with Lee expressing optimism that the Muse model could resolve it. Elizabeth, however, was more cautious, citing concerns about privacy, intellectual property, and surveillance. They also touched on the topic of AI detectors, with Elizabeth questioning their effectiveness. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the ethics of AI in academic settings, with Lee sharing his experiences in a master’s class. | |
| Facilitating Change in Academic Institutions | |
| Elizabeth discusses her approach to facilitating change in academic institutions through a “sense-making method” for student success. She explains that traditional methods of hiring external consultants or demanding faculty to innovate often fail. Instead, her approach involves creating a structured environment where faculty teams can work together to address challenges like declining enrollment or high failure rates. The method encourages faculty to rethink their ideas about teaching and learning, and develop new programs that meet current needs. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of breaking typical meeting structures to ensure all voices are heard, using techniques like ideation stations and gallery walks to foster innovation and overcome power dynamics. | |
| Writing as a Tool for Success | |
| Lee and Elizabeth discussed the nature of writing and its effectiveness. Elizabeth emphasized the importance of recognizing writing as a tool for getting things done, rather than just focusing on correctness and speed. She suggested that people should replace their negative ideas about writing with healthier ones, and that this would enable them to engage in effective writing practices. They also discussed the success of certain books, with Elizabeth suggesting that it might be due to marketing or the book’s ability to mediate important activities for its readers. They agreed that the success of a book is not solely determined by its form or complexity, but rather by its ability to accomplish its intended purpose. | |
| Genre Conventions in Writing Discussed | |
| Elizabeth and Lee discussed the concept of genre conventions in writing, using the example of a grocery list to illustrate how different people use the same genre in different ways to achieve their goals. They also touched on the idea that there is no perfect or right way to use grammar, and that it should be used effectively to communicate. Elizabeth shared that she is working on a new book, “Writing Rediscovered,” which explores 9 transformational concepts about writing to help people rethink their relationship with writing. Lee expressed concern about American academics repeating the same points in different ways to meet word count requirements, but Elizabeth reassured him that she does not follow this model. | |
| Overcoming Writer’s Block in Publishing | |
| Elizabeth and Lee discussed the challenges in the publishing industry, including the loss of independent presses and the potential use of AI in writing books. Elizabeth shared her approach to overcoming writer’s block, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that there are various ways to get words on a page and that writing is a social process. | |
| Finding One’s Unique Writing Approach | |
| Lee, Elizabeth, and Ruth discussed the challenges of writing and the importance of finding one’s own unique approach. Elizabeth emphasized that every writer is different and that the tools given in school may not work for everyone. She encouraged people to try various methods and find what works best for them. Lee shared his experience of not enjoying Shakespeare’s works, despite being told they were classics. Ruth mentioned their upcoming book, “The Motivated Speaker,” which aims to help people become better communicators by understanding and organizing their thoughts. | |
| Embracing Writing as a Lifelong Journey | |
| Lee, Elizabeth, and Ruth discussed the importance of recognising oneself as a writer and creator, regardless of the type of writing. They emphasised that writing is a lifelong journey and that it’s essential to embrace the challenges and learn from feedback. The conversation also touched on the role of AI in writing, with Elizabeth stressing that AI is a tool and not a replacement for human creativity. The team agreed to continue the discussion in future podcasts, with Elizabeth’s upcoming book being a potential topic. |