Writer Agency and Ownership in the Era of Generative AI Chloe V. R. Crull, University of California, Davis abstractThis lesson plan prepares writing center tutors to help writers maintain agency and ownership when using generative AI tools. Through structured discussions and scenario-based activities, tutors explore the complex relationship between AI assistance and writer autonomy. Drawing on Warschauer et al.'s (2023) research on AI's impact on language learning, participants analyze how privilege and access influence AI tool usage while developing practical strategies for helping writers leverage AI without surrendering intellectual ownership. The training emphasizes identifying moments of diminished agency and provides concrete techniques for helping writers reclaim ownership of their work. The lesson includes small group discussions and opportunities to develop targeted approaches for common AI-related tutoring scenarios.KEYWORDSWriting Center theory/philosophy LESSON OVERVIEWThe lesson's primary purpose is to prepare writing center tutors for the complex task of supporting writer agency in an era of AI-assisted writing. The training draws on two key theoretical perspectives. First, Warschauer et al.'s (2023) research examines what they term the "rich get richer" contradiction in AI-assisted writing—the observation that while AI writing tools appear to democratize access to sophisticated English writing capabilities, they can actually widen existing inequalities. This occurs because effectively leveraging AI tools requires privileged access to digital resources, geographical location in countries where AI tools are available, and often the financial means to access premium features. Second, Aguilar's (2024) framework for maintaining authority through responsible AI engagement illuminates how writers can maintain meaningful control over their work while incorporating AI assistance. This framework provides practical strategies for preserving writer autonomy without completely rejecting potentially beneficial AI tools. Together, these perspectives help tutors understand both the broader socioeconomic implications of AI adoption in writing and develop concrete approaches for empowering writers to maintain agency while navigating these new technologies. The training's structure deliberately moves from theoretical understanding to practical application through carefully scaffolded activities. Small group discussions allow tutors to first explore abstract concepts of writer agency before applying these insights to concrete scenarios they might encounter in their sessions. The scenario-based portion of the training draws from real tutoring situations and helps tutors develop specific strategies for addressing various forms of agency surrender. This combination of theoretical grounding and practical application ensures tutors are well-equipped to handle the nuanced challenges of supporting writer agency in AI-assisted writing contexts.
FORMAT TYPEIn-person TIMING & OCCURRENCELesson Time: 60 minutes or less Prep Time: 15 minutes or less Timeline: Late in the first term of new tutor employment TUTOR AUDIENCENovice tutors Experienced tutors Tutor administrators High school student tutors Undergraduate student tutors Graduate student tutors Faculty/professional tutors In-person tutors Synchronous online tutors MATERIALS NEEDED
AUTHOR INFORMATIONChloe V. R. Crull, University of California, Davis Chloe V. R. Crull has worked in Writing Centers since 2018. Her research interests lie at the intersection of institutional dynamics and emerging technologies in writing education. Chloe is particularly fascinated by how writing centers forge and maintain relationships with various departments and entities across university campuses, exploring the potential for collaborative growth and innovation. Additionally, her work delves into the evolving landscape of generative AI in writing, investigating its applications as a tool to enhance the writing process. Through her research and practice, Chloe generative AI aims to bridge the gap between traditional writing instruction and cutting-edge technological advancements, fostering an environment where writers can thrive in an increasingly digital academic world. |
