Why Schools Should Prioritize Writing Skills in the Age of AI

Just as calculators didn't eliminate the need for students to learn basic arithmetic, AI tools don't negate the importance of mastering disciplinary knowledge and writing skills in school.

Dr. Michael Johnston, a senior fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, emphasizes this point in his new report on the risks and opportunities AI presents to education. Johnston criticizes claims suggesting AI can replace the need for students to learn writing skills, arguing that such views are misguided.

Johnston states that the idea of AI freeing students from traditional learning to focus solely on critical and creative thinking is flawed. These notions often come from tech entrepreneurs eager to promote their products, not educators.

Writing is a powerful tool for thinking and communication, Johnston asserts. Cognitive load theory and learning science indicate that even with AI tools like ChatGPT, students still need to develop their writing skills. Writing helps reduce cognitive load by allowing students to record and develop their thoughts, making it essential for deeper learning.

Johnston draws parallels with the past debate over calculators in math education. Without foundational skills like addition, students struggle with more advanced concepts. Similarly, without fluency in writing, students can't leverage it for higher-order thinking.

Critical and creative thinking require a strong knowledge base, Johnston argues. Prominent education psychologist John Sweller supports this, stating there's no single strategy to teach critical or creative thinking without a solid foundation of knowledge.

Johnston believes the best defense against online misinformation is to arm students with extensive knowledge, enabling them to critically evaluate information and recognize faulty arguments.

Despite concerns, Johnston sees AI's potential to enhance education, particularly through personalized tutoring. Research has shown one-on-one tutoring significantly boosts student performance, a benefit AI could replicate under the guidance of skilled teachers.