25 Not a shortcut, a study partner
Noviachri Imroatul Sadiyah, Postgraduate Student, Education, United Kingdom
As a Master’s student, I used GenAI tools throughout various academic contexts, particularly when preparing assignments and developing my dissertation ideas. Before writing, I often felt overwhelmed by where to start, especially with heavily theoretical or research-based tasks. GenAI became a useful tool to help me brainstorm ideas, organise my thoughts, and map out my approach to each assignment. It also played a key role during the early stages of my dissertation, especially when I was struggling to narrow my focus then refine the research questions and methodology. In these contexts, GenAI acted as a flexible support system that helped me build momentum when starting from scratch.
I used GenAI primarily to assist with structuring and clarifying my academic work. I often asked it for outlines or suggestions on how to organise content logically before writing. I also used it to check if my writing was grammatically correct and coherent, especially when working on complex ideas in my second language. When I was unsure about whether a paragraph made sense or flowed well, I’d ask for suggestions and then revised my writing based on the feedback. I also used GenAI to summarise academic theories and explain unfamiliar terms or frameworks in simpler language. Overall, I used it as an assistant, not to do the work for me, but to help me think more clearly and critically before moving forward with my own voice.
GenAI gave me a safe and responsive space to check grammar, test ideas, and improve the flow of my writing without feeling judged
GenAI has helped me learn more effectively, think more clearly, and use my time more efficiently. As someone studying in a second language, writing academically at the postgraduate level was initially intimidating. GenAI gave me a safe and responsive space to check grammar, test ideas, and improve the flow of my writing without feeling judged. When I felt stuck or unsure how to begin an assignment, using GenAI to brainstorm or create an outline helped me move forward with confidence. It also deepened my understanding of complex theories by explaining them in more accessible terms. I often used GenAI to summarise dense academic texts or to clarify key concepts that I later researched further. Rather than replacing my learning, GenAI supported it by reducing confusion and helping me focus on the core ideas. Importantly, using GenAI made me more reflective and critical. I didn’t always accept its answers at face value. Instead, I learned to question the suggestions, refine them, and apply them within my own context. This process helped me stay in control of my learning, while benefiting from the tool’s assistance. GenAI has become a helpful partner in my academic journey—one that supports independent thinking, not shortcuts.
