A short, famous play like Kaspar is an easy target for AI-generated essays, because plenty of summary and commentary exists for a chatbot to draw on. Instructors need a policy that explains what is acceptable and what is not, rather than hoping students guess correctly. Vague rules produce disputes after the fact, when it is hard to prove anything. A clear policy written before the assignment protects everyone involved.

The policy should state exactly which uses are permitted, such as brainstorming, checking grammar, or explaining vocabulary, and which are prohibited, such as generating paragraphs of analysis. Students often assume that anything not forbidden is allowed, so the list of permitted uses matters as much as the list of prohibited ones. Include concrete examples. A student who reads "limited use for brainstorming" may interpret it very differently from the instructor.

It also helps to explain the reasoning behind the policy. Close reading is a skill that develops through practice, and outsourcing it defeats the purpose of the assignment. Students who understand that the point is to build their own ability are more likely to comply. A short explanation tends to be more effective than a threat of penalties.

Designing Assignments That Reward Original Thinking

Policy alone is not enough, so assignments should be designed to make generic AI output less useful. Prompts that require specific references to class discussion, particular passages, or a short personal response to a performance clip are harder to automate. Process-based components, such as an annotated outline or a draft with comments, also show the student's thinking. These design choices reduce the temptation to rely on a tool.

• State permitted and prohibited uses with concrete examples
• Require students to disclose any AI assistance in a short note
• Build in process components such as outlines and drafts
• Anchor prompts in class discussion and specific passages
• Explain how concerns about authenticity will be handled

Handling Concerns About Authenticity

Detection software is unreliable and can produce false accusations, so it should not be the sole basis for any decision. A more defensible approach is to talk with the student about their essay and ask them to explain their argument and choices. A student who wrote the paper can usually discuss it fluently, and a short conversation often resolves uncertainty. This approach is fairer and more educational.

Document your process and follow your institution's academic integrity procedures. Treat each case individually, and avoid assumptions based on writing style alone, since multilingual writers and students who write formally are sometimes unfairly suspected. Being cautious protects students and the instructor. A consistent process is essential for credibility.

Using AI Constructively in Grading Itself

While restricting student use, instructors may also consider where AI can support their own work. Rubric-based feedback tools can help provide fast, consistent comments, which benefits students who submit drafts. Being transparent about how feedback is generated reinforces the expectation that students will also be honest about their own use. Modeling responsible use is more persuasive than any rule.

Make sure that the final grade remains the instructor's responsibility, and tell students so. Review AI-generated feedback before returning it, and adjust it where it misses the point. This preserves the quality of the assessment and maintains trust. Students notice when feedback is thoughtful, and they respond to it.

Revisiting the Policy Each Term

AI tools change quickly, so a policy written two years ago may no longer fit. Review it at the start of each term and update the examples to reflect current tools and student habits. Ask students for questions or concerns, and revise the policy based on what they raise. This collaborative approach increases buy-in.

Share the policy in the syllabus, on the assignment sheet, and in a brief class discussion. Repetition ensures that no student can claim they were unaware. When a policy is clear, consistently applied, and explained with reasons, most students follow it. The remaining cases can be handled calmly and fairly.