The Science of Writing in a Post-AI World: What Educators Need to Know
Welcome to The Science of Writing, a newsletter dedicated to exploring the art and science behind how we teach writing. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, curriculum leader, or simply passionate about writing instruction, this space is for you. Together, we’ll unpack research-backed strategies, challenge outdated practices, and explore how new technologies—including AI—are reshaping the way we help students become confident, capable writers.
The New Frontier: Writing Instruction in the Age of AI
It’s no exaggeration to say that we’re standing at a crossroads in writing education. AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and countless others have made it easier than ever for students to produce polished text. But as these tools become more common, they raise critical questions:
What does it really mean to teach writing in a world where a machine can do it for you?
How do we ensure students don’t just outsource writing, but still develop the critical thinking and communication skills that only writing can unlock?
And how do we, as educators, evolve our own practices to meet this moment?
And here’s something that we think about at Pressto. After the calculator was introduced, math instruction improved. How? We ask students to show their work. What’s “Show your work” for writing? It’s Writing Blocks™ in Pressto.
Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-AI Classroom
Some see AI as a threat to authentic learning. Others see it as a tool that—if used thoughtfully—can enhance instruction and engage students in new ways. The truth is, it’s both.
The Challenge: Left unchecked, AI can become a shortcut that bypasses the difficult (but essential) work of organizing thoughts, constructing arguments, and finding one’s voice.
The Opportunity: AI can also serve as a powerful scaffold—providing models, suggesting structures, and freeing up mental space so students can focus on higher-order thinking.
This isn’t the first time technology has disrupted the writing classroom. Spellcheckers once raised eyebrows. Word processors revolutionized the drafting process. The difference now is that AI can generate entire essays, stories, and reports in seconds. Our job isn’t to reject these tools but to help students use them wisely and ethically.
3 Research-Backed Strategies for Teaching Writing in a Post-AI World
Refocus on Idea Generation, Not Just Output
Teach students that writing is first and foremost about thinking. Before they reach for AI tools, have them brainstorm, discuss, and map out their ideas. Encourage writing as a process of discovery, not just production.Make the Process Visible
Use tools like Pressto to help students understand the structure of good writing—thesis statements, supporting arguments, evidence, and conclusions. When students know what a well-constructed argument looks like, they’re better equipped to critique AI-generated content rather than passively accept it.Promote Ethical Use of AI Tools
Bring AI directly into the classroom. Show students how to analyze what AI produces:Where is it strong?
Where does it fall flat?
How can they improve or refine it?
This moves students from consumers of content to critical editors and thinkers.
Conclusion: Writing is a Human Act
At its core, writing remains a uniquely human endeavor. It’s how we clarify our thoughts, persuade others, and tell the stories that matter. No machine can replicate the lived experiences, emotions, and insights that real writers bring to the page.
AI may change how we write, but it will never replace why we write. And as educators, that’s the most important lesson we can pass on to our students.