Gunma JALT:

Harnessing ChatGPT's API to Build a DIY Paragraph Writing Tutor

Date: Sunday, April 27th, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker: Douglas Emmett (Gunma Prefectural Chuo Secondary School)

Description:
This workshop introduces a custom-built Writing Tutor designed for Japanese high school students. Developed by the presenter using Google Workspace and the ChatGPT API, this tool provides real-time, personalized feedback on paragraph structure, fluency, and grammar. Pilot study results show significant improvements in students' writing skills, along with high satisfaction rates. The study highlights AI's potential to enhance writing instruction, reduce teacher workload, and address concerns about academic integrity and accessibility. Automated Written Corrective Feedback (AWCF) has great potential in L2 writing, but integrating AI tools while maintaining academic integrity remains a challenge. To bridge the gap between corpus-based AWCF and AI-driven learning, Douglas Emmett has developed a simple web app that delivers actionable, formative feedback using widely accessible platforms.

Following a presentation of findings from a two-month pilot study (120 students), demonstrating measurable gains in paragraph writing, participants will be guided in building their own AI writing tutor-optimized for instructor-monitored, in-class writing practice. This includes:

Setting up Google Forms & Apps Script
Integrating the ChatGPT API
Interpreting and refining feedback

Participants will leave with a practical understanding of AI-based AWCF and the foundational skills to create their own AI-enhanced writing tools�tailored to their teaching needs. There is a short drink/snack/rest break midway through the event.

Organization: Gunma Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Gunma JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen

Venue: Kyoai Gakuen University

Location: Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan

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