I’ve been pondering the problem of AI and ChatGPT for writers and teachers of writing, and there is one important, overlooked role of writing in our lives and especialy in the ELA classroom, which is the role of writing as THINKING. It would be valuable for teachers to model for their students a change in percecption as writing as a hoop to jump through or a task to check off. The focus on writing as confined, rigid final product that meets an assignment requirement will only incentivize students to take shortcuts in the form of plaigairism or overreliance on AI tools.

What is writing as thinking?

Writing as thinking is a process in which you use writing as a tool to clarify and develop your thoughts. It involves putting your ideas into words, organizing them on paper or a digital document, and refining them as you go. Here are a few examples of how writing can be used as a means of thinking:

1. Journaling: Keeping a journal is a common way to engage in writing as thinking. By writing about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to the world around you. It allows you to reflect on your experiences and explore different perspectives.

Example: “Today, I felt overwhelmed by the workload at my job. I started journaling to understand why I feel this way and to brainstorm possible solutions. As I wrote, I realized that my lack of time management is contributing to my stress. I made a list of tasks I need to complete and identified areas where I can improve my efficiency.”

2. Free Writing: Free writing involves setting a timer and writing continuously without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. The goal is to let your thoughts flow without any restrictions. This technique can help you bypass self-censorship and access deeper layers of your thinking.

Example: “I have been struggling with a decision lately. Should I take that job offer or stay in my current position? There are so many factors to consider: salary, work-life balance, career growth, and personal fulfillment. As I free wrote about it, I discovered that my fear of change and the unknown is holding me back. It made me realize that I need to explore my fears and evaluate the potential benefits of taking the leap.”

3. Mind Mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique that allows you to brainstorm and organize your thoughts in a non-linear manner. It involves creating a diagram with a central idea and branching out to related concepts and subtopics. Mind maps can help you see connections between ideas and generate new insights.

Example: “I was assigned a research project, and I started by creating a mind map. I wrote down the main topic in the center and then brainstormed related keywords and concepts around it. As I expanded the branches, I noticed patterns and themes emerging. This helped me clarify the scope of my project and identify potential areas of focus.”

4. Drafting and Revising: When working on a complex piece of writing, such as an essay or a report, you can use the drafting and revising process as a form of thinking. By writing an initial draft, you can externalize your thoughts and ideas. Then, through the process of revising and editing, you can refine and develop your arguments and structure.

Example: “I started writing an essay on climate change, and my initial draft was scattered and lacked a clear argument. As I revised my work, I realized that I needed to narrow down my focus and develop a strong thesis statement. I also found gaps in my evidence and had to conduct further research to strengthen my arguments. The act of writing and revising helped me clarify my thoughts and present a more coherent and persuasive piece.”

These are just a few examples of how writing can be used as a thinking tool. The process of putting your thoughts into words can help you explore ideas, uncover insights, and gain a deeper understanding of complex topics. It’s a valuable practice for personal reflection, problem-solving, and academic or professional writing.