Global writing study results in the age of Artificial Intelligence

New Zealand technology firm Writer's Toolbox, renowned for its award‐winning AI development, has launched the initial phase of what it describes as the largest study ever undertaken into student writing performance. The study aims to explore, in unprecedented detail, how students develop as writers over time.

The company's advanced AI engines currently assess more than 3.2 billion words of student writing each year—a figure that is growing by 66 million words per week. This sheer volume of data underpins the ambitious project, providing a vast resource from which to gain insights into students' writing patterns and developmental trajectories.

Speaking about the research, company founder Dr Ian Hunter stated,
"It's a unique opportunity on the global research landscape,"
noting that while previous data had been gathered from pilot studies into Automated Essay Scoring systems in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and the United States, these studies had largely focused on exam writing. Dr Hunter pointed out that exam compositions do not capture the full spectrum of a student's development as a writer. He explained that exam writing fails to reveal the everyday challenges and growth that occur in regular writing tasks—a gap that this new study intends to bridge.

The forthcoming research will delve deeper into the profiles of students around the world as they develop their writing skills. It will examine the range of abilities students acquire throughout their educational journeys, alongside the obstacles they face and the methods by which they overcome these challenges. The study is set to consider both the difficulties students encounter and the strategies they employ when seeking assistance with their writing.

Dr Hunter further elaborated on the potential of the project, asserting,
"Using intelligent technology, we have an opportunity to look at a granular level into how students write. What they find difficult; what they seek help on. And more importantly, how AI driven assistance can help them."
This remark highlights the dual focus of the study: not only is it about collecting data, but it also seeks to understand how AI tools can be used to provide tailored support to improve students' writing skills. By analysing detailed interactions between students and AI-driven writing programmes, the research aspires to reveal patterns of error and correction that could inform better educational support systems.

Writer's Toolbox has been meticulously planning this research for several years. Over a 12-year R & D programme, the company developed an AI-driven writing initiative that is now utilised in schools worldwide. Alongside this, they have introduced specialist writing diagnostic and assessment tools, which form the backbone of this next phase of research. These tools enable the collection of nuanced data on how students engage with technology to improve their writing—a dynamic that has rarely been studied on such a large scale.

Dr Hunter also remarked on the broader implications of the study, saying,
"However," claims Hunter, "it is not just about the writing. Writing and thinking are connected. This series of studies will give us unparalleled insight into the neurology of thinking: how a child develops and expands their cognitive depth and their capacity as they write."
This statement underscores the company's belief that the benefits of the research extend beyond the realm of writing itself. By examining the interrelationship between writing and cognitive development, the study could offer valuable insights into how children think and learn, ultimately influencing educational practices and policies.

The initial phase of the research is planned as a two-year programme. The hope is that the lessons drawn from this extensive study will inform teaching practices and provide educators and policy makers with robust data on which to base future strategies for writing development. At a time when economies around the world are increasingly transitioning to knowledge-based industries, maximising literacy and critical thinking skills is seen as essential for nurturing innovation-led growth.

In summary, the study by Writer's Toolbox is one of several planned initiatives aimed at revolutionising our understanding of how students learn to write. With a focus on real-world writing rather than just examination essays, the research promises to shed light on both the challenges students face and the potential of AI-assisted learning to support their progress.