Teaching staff’s tips for students
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools can support knowledge development. However, it is crucial that students critically review the output to check it for accuracy, being aware that such tools cannot replace human critical thinking and the development of arguments based on evidence and real knowledge of a subject.
In accordance with the principles and responsibilities laid down in the University Policy for an Ethical and Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), the teaching staff may offer advice on how to use GenAI, both in general and in their own field of specialisation.
In particular, general tips include:
Encourage taking a critical stance towards output at all times
Invite students to critically assess the reliability, as far as possible, and accuracy, as far as possible, of the GenAI output as this helps acknowledging the limits of technology and promotes greater responsibility in using the generated information.
Stimulate exploration
GenAI can be used to quickly explore a subject, bringing about reflection and correlation, especially within the student's context and experience in a given field. Always use the GenAI output as a starting point to go beyond what was found and further personalise the result.
Organise and structure content
GenAI can help rearrange and organise notes and information in different formats, such as bulleted lists, tables or conceptual maps, to make studying more effective and help identify connections between different concepts.
Use it to self-assess understanding
GenAI can generate questions to help the learning and study process of a certain subject.
Ask for a feedback on writing
GenAI can provide a feedback on the structure, coherence and clarity of writing, especially on the clarity of the message and appropriateness of the terms used in other languages, first and foremost in English.
Broaden perspectives
With respect to any issue, engaging with GenAI can generate different perspectives on a given subject, inspiring discussions with other students and comparisons or insights with other disciplines.
Language support and translation
GenAI can be used to improve language skills, for example, by means of translations or conversation exercises to boost fluency or learn new vocabulary. It can also help learn the correct pronunciation of a word in a variety of accents.
Training for university or job interviews
GenAI can simulate interviews to help people get ready for university or job interviews. It allows practising with common questions, receiving feedback and suggestions on how to improve answers and even the correct pronunciation of words.
Organising and managing the workload
GenAI can be used to divide complex tasks into more manageable sub-tasks, plan work phases more effectively and monitor progress based on milestones.
Developing presentation skills
GenAI can generate suggestions on how to organise content and offer advice about clarity and communicative effectiveness. This can prove especially useful in order to develop more succinct, focussed and terminologically accurate presentations.
