Mediating Writing Development with Generative AI in College Classrooms: A Qualitative Case Study of Instructional Practice

Authors

  • Endah Kurtianti Universitas Doktor Nugroho Magetan
  • Nurdani Yulian Ahmad Universitas Doktor Nugroho Magetan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55606/jupensi.v6i1.7097

Keywords:

AI-assisted learning, writing pedagogy, digital literacy in education, classroom interaction, student engagement

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is now embedded in higher education writing instruction, yet its pedagogical value depends on how it is used in classroom practice. This qualitative case study examined how AI was integrated into an undergraduate writing course at a private university in East Java, Indonesia, and how it mediated students’ idea generation, organization, argumentation, and authorial voice over one semester. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with one instructor and fifteen students, and analysis of course documents, drafts, feedback, and AI interaction records. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by Sociocultural Theory, Activity Theory, and Critical GAI Literacy. The findings indicated that AI functioned mainly as a mediational scaffold, supporting idea generation and organization more consistently than argumentation and authorial voice. Its role varied across planning, drafting, revising, and feedback, while teacher guidance, assessment, classroom rules, and peer interaction shaped whether AI became support for learning or a shortcut. The study highlights AI integration as a socially mediated and ethically negotiated pedagogical process.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ahmad, M., & Wilkins, S. (2024). Purposive sampling in qualitative research: A framework for the entire journey. Quality & Quantity, 59, 1461–1479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5

Alyasin, A., & Shah, M. A. (2026). Human-AI collaboration in academic writing : Exploring university students ’ agency through a sociocultural lens. Ampersand, 16, 100256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2026.100256

Baldrich, K., Carmen, P.-G., & María Santamarina-Sancho. (2025). Artificial intelligence in academic literacy : empirical evidence on reading and writing practices in higher education. Frontiers in Educatiion, November, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1701238

Bedington, A., Halcomb, E. F., Mckee, H. A., Sargent, T., & Smith, A. (2024). Writing with generative AI and human-machine teaming : Insights and recommendations from faculty and students. Computers and Composition, 71, 102833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compcom.2024.102833

Belkina, M., Daniel, S., Nikolic, S., Haque, R., Lyden, S., Neal, P., Grundy, S., & Hassan, G. M. (2025). Computers and Education : Artificial Intelligence Implementing generative AI (GenAI) in higher education : A systematic review of case studies. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8, 100407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100407

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2024). Supporting best practice in reflexive thematic analysis reporting in Palliative Medicine: A review of published research and introduction to the Reflexive Thematic Analysis Reporting Guidelines (RTARG). Palliative Medicine, 38(6), 608–616. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163241234800

Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke ’ s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(3), 1391–1412. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y

Cena, E., Brooks, J., Day, W., Goodman, S., Rousaki, A., Ruby-granger, V., & Seymour-smith, S. (2024). Quality Criteria : General and Speci fi c Guidelines for Qualitative Approaches in Psychology Research . A Concise Guide for Novice Researchers and Reviewers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241282843

Chand, S. P. (2025). Methods of Data Collection in Qualitative Research: Interviews, Focus Groups, Observations, and Document Analysis. Advances in Educational Research and Evaluation, 6(1), 303–317. https://doi.org/10.25082/aere.2025.01.001

Chen, Z., Zhu, J., Mcgrane, J., Hopfenbeck, T. N., Wang, Y., & Ji, Y. (2026). Computers & Education More inspiration and attention : How Generative AI tools impact graduate students ’ affective engagement in L2 source-based academic writing. Computers & Education, 242, 105495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105495

Connell Pensky, A. E., Usdan, J. H., & Chang, H. (2025). Generative AI’s Impact on Graduate Student Professional Writing Productivity and Quality. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 35, 4057–4082. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-025-00528-z

Cummings, R. E., Monroe, S. M., & Watkins, M. (2024). Generative AI in first-year writing: An early analysis of affordances, limitations, and a framework for the future. Computers and Composition, 71, 102827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compcom.2024.102827

Engeström, Y. (1987). Learning by expanding: An activity-theoretical approach to developmental research (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Farrokhnia, M., Banihashem, S. K., Noroozi, O., & Wals, A. (2024). A SWOT analysis of ChatGPT: Implications for educational practice and research. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 61(3), 460–474. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2023.2195846

Feng, H., Li, K., & Zhang, L. J. (2025). What does AI bring to second language writing ? A systematic review (2014-2024). Language Learning & Technology, 29(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/73629

Hoomanfard, M., & Shamsi, Y. (2025). Journal of English for Academic Purposes Generative AI in dissertation writing : L2 doctoral students ’ self-reported use , AI-giarism , and perceived training needs. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 78, 101570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2025.101570

Huawei, S., & Aryadoust, V. (2023). A systematic review of automated writing evaluation systems. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 771–795. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11200-7

Kasneci, E., Sessler, K., Küchemann, S., Bannert, M., Dementieva, D., Fischer, F., Gasser, U., Groh, G., Günnemann, S., Hüllermeier, E., Krusche, S., Kutyniok, G., Michaeli, T., Nerdel, C., Pfeffer, J., Poquet, O., Sailer, M., Schmidt, A., Seidel, T., … Kasneci, G. (2023). ChatGPT for good ? On opportunities and challenges of large language models for education. Learning and Individual Differences, 103, 102274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102274

Kim, J., Lee, S., Detrick, R., Wang, J., & Li, N. (2026). Students-Generative AI interaction patterns and its impact on academic writing. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 38, 504–525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-025-09444-6

Kim, J., Yu, S., Detrick, R., & Li, N. (2025). Exploring students’ perspectives on Generative AI-assisted academic writing. In Education and Information Technologies (Vol. 30, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12878-7

Li, H., & Wu, X. (2025). The use of generative AI tools in academic writing: A systematic review of research trends and thematic insights. AI and Ethics, 5, 5821–5840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-025-00827-0

Li, J., Link, S., & Hegelheimer, V. (2015). ScienceDirect Rethinking the role of automated writing evaluation ( AWE ) feedback in ESL writing instruction. Journal of Second Language Writing, 27, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2014.10.004

Mhilli, O. (2023). Social Sciences & Humanities Open Authorial voice in writing : A literature review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100550

Nañola, E. L., Arroyo, R. L., Hermosura, N. J. T., Ragil, M., Sabanal, J. N. U., & Mendoza, H. B. (2025). Recognizing the artificial: A comparative voice analysis of AI-Generated and L2 undergraduate student-authored academic essays. System, 130, 103611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103611

Ou, A. W., Khuder, B., Franzetti, S., & Negretti, R. (2024). Conceptualising and cultivating Critical GAI Literacy in doctoral academic writing. Journal of Second Language Writing, 66, 101156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2024.101156

Oubibi, M. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence: Postgraduate student’s digital adaptability, engagement and academic confidence. Journal of Computers in Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-025-00364-z

Prabawanthi, P. P. W. P., Santosa, M. H., & Indrayani, L. (2025). Investigating The Readiness and Satisfaction of Students and Lecturers For The Integration of Chatgpt in English Academic Writing at Ganesha University of Education. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Sastra Inggris, 5(3), 01–33. https://doi.org/10.55606/jupensi.v5i3.5763

Qian, Y. (2025). Pedagogical Applications of Generative AI in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of the Field. TechTrends, 69, 1105–1120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01100-1

Radtke, A., & Rummel, N. (2025). Generative AI in academic writing: Does information on authorship impact learners’ revision behavior? Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8, 100350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100350

Shi, H., & Aryadoust, V. (2024). A systematic review of AI-based automated written feedback research. ReCALL, 36(2), 187–209. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344023000265

Singh, J. K., Daniel, B. K., & Koh, J. H. L. (2025). Empowering authorship with AI: A novel academic writing technology for authorial voice. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 35, 3406–3428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-025-00503-8

Tlili, A., Shehata, B., Adarkwah, M. A., Bozkurt, A., Hickey, D. T., Huang, R., & Agyemang, B. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(15). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00237-x

UNESCO. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. In UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54675/ewzm9535

van Niekerk, J., Delport, P. M. J., & Sutherland, I. (2025). Computers and Education : Art ­ ficial Intelligence Addressing the use of generative AI in academic writing. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 8, 100342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100342

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Mental Processes. Harvard University Press.

Wang, P., Jing, Y., & Shen, S. (2025). A systematic literature review on the application of generative artificial intelligence ( GAI ) in teaching within higher education : Instructional contexts , process , and strategies. The Internet and Higher Education, 65, 100996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2025.100996

Yeung, S. (2025). University students’ engagement with generative AI-supported automated writing evaluation (AWE) feedback. Journal of Second Language Writing, 68, 101203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2025.101203

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage.

Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., & Bond, M. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators ? International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(39), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0

Zhang, X., Zhang, P., Shen, Y., Liu, M., Wang, Q., Gašević, D., & Fan, Y. (2024). A systematic literature review of empirical research on applying generative artificial intelligence in education. Frontiers of Digital Education, 1(3), 223–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44366-024-0028-5

Zou, M., Kong, D., & Lee, I. (2025). Journal of English for Academic Purposes Doctoral student ’ s strategy use in GAI chatbot-assisted L2 writing : An activity theory perspective. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 76, 101521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2025.101521

Downloads

Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Endah Kurtianti, & Nurdani Yulian Ahmad. (2026). Mediating Writing Development with Generative AI in College Classrooms: A Qualitative Case Study of Instructional Practice. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Sastra Inggris, 6(1), 605–629. https://doi.org/10.55606/jupensi.v6i1.7097

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.