Automated Writing and Feedback Scoring

For which subjects? Social Sciences- Geography, Economics, History, Politics & International Development

Inspired by the structure of Jame Clear’s weekly 3-2-1 newsletter, which even after years of reading I find useful on a weekly basis, this weekly blog offers three observations on teaching writing, two quotes about writing and one suggestion to consider-

One of our students James Siadis talks about how writing thoughtfully can be helpful as a tool of reflection and in recognising and avoiding logical fallacies. Thank you James for your time!

Friend of Turtle & elephant Dina Kumarbek summarises how she uses and approaches writing in a professional services environment. Really insightful thank you Dina!

What Is HyFlex and Hybrid Teaching Tech?

Inspired by the structure of Jame Clear’s weekly 3-2-1 newsletter, which even after years of reading I find useful on a weekly basis, this weekly blog offers three observations on teaching writing, two quotes about writing and one suggestion to consider-

Seguramente hace mucho que no coges un bolígrafo y escribes un texto a mano. Quizás aún escribas notas en un cuaderno en alguna reunión o mientras escuchas a un profesor, pero tal vez ni siquiera eso. En este texto intentaré mostrarte las maravillas de la escritura a mano para el cerebro y para la creatividad.

Another useful resource for our ESL students- hope it helps!

Inspired by the structure of Jame Clear’s weekly 3-2-1 newsletter, which even after years I find useful on a weekly basis, this weekly blog offers three observations on teaching writing, two quotes about writing and one suggestion to consider-

Pia Brabek is a student here at Turtle & elephant and we're currently working together to further strengthen her writing. She clearly and insightfully shares some of her insights below-

Henry Huang, Masters student and public policy consultant talks about how writing has helped him to think critically studying and working in international development.

For ESL & the IELTS Exam

‍Inspired by the structure of Jame Clear’s weekly 3-2-1 newsletter, which even after years I find useful on a weekly basis, this weekly blog offers three observations on teaching writing, two quotes about writing and one question to consider-‍

Dominic Wilcox, a barrister in Sydney and friend to Turtle & elephant talks about the role writing and critical thinking plays in his work day to day:

Learning analytics dashboards make student progress more visible by turning educational data into real-time insights that can support early intervention and self-regulation, but they risk causing anxiety and misinterpretation if treated as surveillance or definitive judgments rather than as one limited lens among many.

Summary of resource: I have been using this website for over five years now regularly and find it to be highly useful for my students who are ESL learners. This website has a variety of ESL grammar exercises in areas of grammar such as verbs, tenses, prepositions, word order, phonetics and comprehension. Most useful for A1 and A2 ESL learners.

Escribir sin recurrir a la inteligencia artificial fortalece el pensamiento crítico, la creatividad y la capacidad de expresar ideas con claridad y autenticidad. Aunque la IA puede ser útil como apoyo puntual, desarrollar una voz propia y practicar la escritura autónoma sigue siendo clave para el aprendizaje, la vida profesional y la comprensión crítica de los textos que leemos.

AI writing feedback tools can offer fast, detailed suggestions that support drafting and revision. They become problematic when treated as authoritative judges, as automated scores can reward formulaic writing, reinforce bias, and undervalue voice, creativity, and context.

Classroom AI platforms promise to act as “co-teachers” by helping educators plan lessons, differentiate materials, and manage routine tasks. While they can reduce workload and free up time for teaching, they work best when used as drafts and supports - not substitutes for professional judgment, local context, or human relationships.

AI study companions can help students quiz themselves, clarify confusing ideas, and plan their work more effectively. Used without clear boundaries, however, they risk replacing thinking rather than supporting it - making intentional use, integrity, and critical oversight essential.

Predictive “early warning” systems use student data such as attendance, grades, and online activity to flag those who may be at risk of struggling. While they can prompt timely, supportive human intervention, they also carry risks around bias, over-simplification, and mislabeling—making careful, transparent, and ethical use essential.

AI reading and accessibility tools now go beyond text-to-speech, offering features like highlighting, simplification, summaries, and real-time reading support. When used thoughtfully, they can widen access to complex ideas for diverse learners, while also raising important questions about over-reliance, challenge, and data privacy.

As AI becomes part of everyday learning, it’s important for students to understand not just how to use it, but how to question it. This piece shares simple ways parents can help children develop critical, thoughtful habits around AI.

Abstract words like “capability” can create false complexity, while simpler phrasing keeps writing clearer and more accessible.

Overcomplicating words like “problem” weakens urgency and clarity, while simple phrasing makes writing more direct and powerful.

Using vague words like “activity” can dilute clarity, so stronger writing comes from replacing abstractions with concrete, specific language.

A playful writing exercise using a cake mystery helps students practise structuring arguments with conclusions, reasons, and supporting evidence.

Even in the age of AI, learning to write matters because it sharpens thinking, strengthens communication, and builds the ability to judge truth from misinformation.

Using the passive voice can obscure accountability and clarity, while active voice makes responsibility and action unmistakable.

Clear, specific vocabulary and the Rule of Three make writing more precise, memorable, and impactful.

Thoughtful deletion is essential to good writing, helping clarify ideas, avoid sunk-cost bias, and strengthen expression.

Balancing paired adjectives creates rhythm, clarity, and objectivity in writing, allowing complex comparisons to feel simple and precise.