Genre-based writing in the German classroom in the age of generative AI

Abstract

Genre, defined as a “staged goal-oriented social process” (Martin, 2009), has long stood as a key principle in second-language writing instruction. This article presents the principles underpinning genre theory as it relates to the language curriculum and the five phases of genre-based L2 writing pedagogy. This pedagogy provides the foundation for a case study in which students in an intermediate, fifth-semester German class at a small liberal arts college received instruction in the film review genre. Student products written prior to classroom work with film reviews are compared with those written after students had gained an awareness and understanding of the film review genre, revealing the positive effects of genre-based instruction on student writing. In light of the future impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on writing pedagogy, the final section addresses how ChatGPT and similar platforms can potentially enhance genre-based pedagogies. The article suggests ways in which generative AI can be incorporated into each phase of genre-based second language writing instruction. As technologies such as ChatGPT become established in language classrooms, it is clear that the writing process must share the stage with written products, both in instruction and assessments.