Elevating Student’s Paraphrasing Skills Through Paraphrases Matrix and Chatgpt

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in recent years has brought about a revolutionary transformation across different industries, including corporate usage, academic pursuits, and everyday tasks. Nevertheless, the growing dependence on AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, among university and college students to finish coursework and assignments has generated significant concerns regarding its consequences on students' writing skills and critical-thinking abilities. To tackle these urgent issues and enhance students' language proficiency and analytical reasoning skills, a ground-breaking solution has been formulated through the development of a Paraphrases Matrix. This novel approach engages students in restructuring activities, fostering understanding of ChatGPT's capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations in language learning. The primary objective of this initiative is to minimise the potential adverse effects of AI tools on students' academic progress while also maximising their advantages. Students can utilize ChatGPT proficiently to rephrase content and incorporate citations in their research work, thereby preventing plagiarism. Hence, by integrating ChatGPT into English language paraphrasing activities within academic settings, this initiative aims to foster a balanced and informed approach to AI utilization among students. The uniqueness of this technique resides in its versatile methodology, which combines theoretical understanding with practical implementation. Students are led through the process of paraphrasing by using carefully designed worksheets. Through this meticulously crafted paraphrasing activity worksheet, students are guided through the process of paraphrasing while simultaneously engaging with ChatGPT-generated outputs. This innovative blend of traditional pedagogy with innovative AI technology not only enhances students' paraphrasing skills but also promotes critical thinking and responsible AI usage. Furthermore, this research has significant societal implications by preparing students for the increasingly AI-dominated environment of the future. It improved students' academic performance, strengthened their confidence, and provided lifelong learning, all while promoting integrity among students and society.