The Impact of an NLP-Based Writing Tool on Student Writing

Karthik Sairam, Amy Burkhardt, Susan Lottridge


Abstract
We present preliminary evidence on the impact of a NLP-based writing feedback tool, Write-On with Cambi! on students’ argumentative writing. Students were randomly assigned to receive access to the tool or not, and their essay scores were compared across three rubric dimensions; estimated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) ranged from 0.25 to 0.26 (with notable variation in the average treatment effect across classrooms). To characterize and compare the groups’ writing processes, we implemented an algorithm that classified each revision as Appended (new text added to the end), Surface-level (minor within-text corrections to conventions), or Substantive (larger within-text changes or additions). We interpret within-text edits (Surface-level or Substantive) as potential markers of metacognitive engagement in revision, and note that these within-text edits are more common in students who had access to the tool. Together, these pilot analyses serve as a first step in testing the tool’s theory of action.
Anthology ID:
2025.aimecon-sessions.14
Volume:
Proceedings of the Artificial Intelligence in Measurement and Education Conference (AIME-Con): Coordinated Session Papers
Month:
October
Year:
2025
Address:
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, Downtown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Editors:
Joshua Wilson, Christopher Ormerod, Magdalen Beiting Parrish
Venue:
AIME-Con
SIG:
Publisher:
National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME)
Note:
Pages:
115–123
Language:
URL:
https://aclanthology.org/2025.aimecon-sessions.14/
DOI:
Bibkey:
Cite (ACL):
Karthik Sairam, Amy Burkhardt, and Susan Lottridge. 2025. The Impact of an NLP-Based Writing Tool on Student Writing. In Proceedings of the Artificial Intelligence in Measurement and Education Conference (AIME-Con): Coordinated Session Papers, pages 115–123, Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, Downtown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME).
Cite (Informal):
The Impact of an NLP-Based Writing Tool on Student Writing (Sairam et al., AIME-Con 2025)
Copy Citation:
PDF:
https://aclanthology.org/2025.aimecon-sessions.14.pdf