Are Reflective Papers Still a Valid Assessment? Examining Student Teachers’ GenAI Use in Reflective Papers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable 5

Abstract

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has triggered debates about the validity of essay-type assessments in higher education. While some scholars advocate for abandoning assessments such as reflective papers, others argue for their continued value. This study investigated how students in four teacher education courses interacted with GenAI when completing their reflective papers. Findings reveal that over two-thirds of the students opted not to use GenAI for two main reasons: (1) the belief that reflective papers should represent one’s own thoughts, and (2) concerns about the appropriateness of using GenAI in assessments. We conclude that reflective papers remain relatively valid, with the potential to be transformed into formative assessments, thereby reducing academic integrity concerns while retaining their pedagogical value.

Authors

• Tracy X. P. Zou, Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Jodie X. J. Chen, Chinese University of Hong Kong