“Academic Writing, AI Ethics, and Career Excellence: My Learning Journey at the National Workshop 2026”
The workshop is organized in collaboration with KCG, Ahmedabad under their scheme for Promotion of Research in State Universities.
The National Workshop on Academic Writing, organized by the Department of English, MKBU under the promotion of research in higher education (Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Government of Gujarat), was a six-day intensive academic engagement. The workshop focused on strengthening research skills, academic writing practices, responsible use of AI, publishing strategies, and academic career development.
Each day was carefully structured with registration, breakfast, expert sessions, Q&A interactions, and collaborative lab work. The experience was both intellectually enriching and professionally transformative.
Workshop Structure and Key Themes
The workshop was organized into three main phases, each focusing on a different aspect of academic development.
- Inaugural Session
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) B. B. Ramanuj, Honorable Vice Chancellor, and Dr. K. M. Joshi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In their inaugural addresses, they highlighted a significant concern in Indian academia: although India produces a high volume of theses and research work, its global citation impact remains comparatively lower than countries like the United States and China. This observation encouraged participants to reflect not only on the quantity of research being produced but also on its quality, originality, and global relevance.
The introductory remarks also traced the historical evolution of writing—from cave walls and manuscripts to printed books and now digital screens—emphasizing how writing has always been central to human civilization. At the same time, the speakers stressed the urgent need to preserve “the human in the human” in an era increasingly influenced by generative AI. They reminded us that while technology can assist, true scholarship must remain rooted in critical thinking, authenticity, and intellectual integrity.
The inaugural session thus set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the entire workshop, framing academic writing not just as a skill to be learned, but as a responsibility to be practiced with integrity and purpose.
Session 1 & 2: Prof. (Dr.) Paresh Joshi
Topic: Academic Writing and Prompt Engineering
The first two academic sessions of the workshop were conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Paresh Joshi, who explored the evolving relationship between academic writing and prompt engineering in the age of Artificial Intelligence. These sessions were highly relevant in today’s digital academic environment, where AI tools are increasingly being used for research assistance, drafting, and idea generation.
Prof. Joshi began by explaining that academic writing is not simply about presenting information; it is about constructing knowledge through clarity, logic, evidence, and structured argumentation. He emphasized that good writing reflects good thinking. Therefore, before using any AI tool, a researcher must first develop conceptual clarity about the topic.
He then introduced the concept of prompt engineering, explaining that the quality of output generated by AI largely depends on the quality of the prompt given. A vague prompt produces vague results, while a precise and well-structured prompt produces more relevant and useful responses. He demonstrated how prompts should include context, purpose, tone, and specific instructions to achieve better academic outputs.
Another important aspect discussed was the ethical use of AI in research. Prof. Joshi clearly stated that AI should be treated as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human intellect. Critical thinking, originality, and interpretation must always remain the responsibility of the researcher. Overdependence on AI can weaken analytical ability and compromise academic integrity.
He also highlighted the importance of digital literacy in modern scholarship. In the current academic landscape, researchers must know how to use digital tools responsibly, verify information, and maintain accuracy. Understanding AI limitations—such as biased responses or fabricated information—is essential for maintaining credibility in research writing.
- My Learning Outcomes
From these sessions, I:
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Learned how to frame clear, detailed, and effective prompts for AI tools.
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Understood that AI enhances productivity but cannot replace human critical thinking and originality.
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Realized the importance of clarity, precision, coherence, and structure in academic writing.
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Gained awareness of ethical responsibilities while using AI in research.
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Recognized the growing importance of digital literacy in academic work.
The Q&A session at the end allowed participants to clarify doubts about plagiarism, citation of AI-assisted content, and maintaining transparency while using AI tools. Overall, these sessions provided a strong foundation for combining traditional academic writing skills with responsible technological engagement.
Post-Lunch Sessions: Prof. Kalyan Chattopadhyay
Topic: Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners (Session 1 & 2)
The post-lunch sessions were conducted by Prof. Kalyan Chattopadhyay, who focused on refining academic writing skills for advanced learners. These sessions moved beyond basic writing techniques and emphasized precision, discipline, and intellectual clarity in scholarly communication.
Prof. Chattopadhyay explained that academic writing requires a formal tone, objective approach, and well-organized arguments. He highlighted the importance of developing a clear thesis statement that guides the entire research paper. According to him, a strong thesis is specific, arguable, and clearly positioned within a scholarly context.
He also stressed paragraph unity and coherence. Each paragraph, he explained, should revolve around a single central idea supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Smooth transitions between paragraphs help maintain the overall flow of the argument and make the writing more persuasive and readable.
Another key focus was academic vocabulary and formal style. He encouraged the use of precise terminology instead of vague expressions and warned against overly emotional or conversational language in research writing. Attention was also given to common grammatical and stylistic errors, such as redundancy, ambiguity, incorrect tense usage, and weak sentence construction.
My Learning Outcomes
From these sessions, I:
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Learned how to frame strong, focused, and arguable thesis statements.
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Understood the importance of paragraph unity and logical progression of ideas.
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Improved my awareness of academic vocabulary and formal writing style.
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Identified common grammatical and stylistic errors that weaken research writing.
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Recognized the need for revision and careful editing in academic work.
The day concluded with High Tea, which provided a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on the insights gained and discuss ideas informally with fellow participants.
Day 2 – 28 January 2026
Topic : Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners
The second day began with registration and breakfast, creating a fresh and focused environment for continuing the academic discussions. Prof. Kalyan Chattopadhyay resumed his sessions (Session 3 & 4) on Academic Writing in English for Advanced Learners, moving deeper into analytical and practical aspects of scholarly writing.
In these sessions, the emphasis shifted from structure to critical engagement with texts. He explained that academic writing begins with careful and critical reading. A researcher must not simply summarize sources but analyze, question, and interpret them. He demonstrated how to identify key arguments, assumptions, and gaps within scholarly works.
Special attention was given to integrating quotations and references effectively. He clarified that quotations should support arguments rather than replace the writer’s voice. Proper introduction of quoted material, correct citation style, and smooth integration into paragraphs were discussed in detail. He also emphasized academic honesty and the importance of acknowledging sources to avoid plagiarism.
Another significant focus was revision and editing. He explained that good writing is the result of rewriting. Participants were encouraged to review their drafts for clarity, coherence, grammar, and argument strength.
My Learning Outcomes
From these sessions, I:
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Learned practical techniques for critical reading and analytical thinking.
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Understood how to integrate quotations smoothly within my own arguments.
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Gained clarity about citation methods and the importance of academic honesty.
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Learned strategies for revising and editing research writing effectively.
Afternoon Sessions: Dr. Clement Ndoricimpa
Topic: Publishing in Indexed Journals (Session 1 & 2)
The afternoon sessions were conducted by Dr. Clement Ndoricimpa, focusing on the process of academic publishing. These sessions were extremely practical and informative, especially for research scholars aspiring to publish their work.
Dr. Ndoricimpa explained the difference between indexed and non-indexed journals, highlighting the importance of publishing in recognized databases such as Scopus and Web of Science for greater academic visibility and impact. He also warned against predatory journals that charge high fees without proper peer review.
The sessions provided a clear understanding of the peer review process, explaining how manuscripts are evaluated by experts before publication. He outlined the standard structure of a research article, including abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusion, and references.
He also discussed journal selection strategies, manuscript formatting, and the importance of aligning research topics with journal scope.
My Learning Outcomes
From these sessions, I:
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Understood the difference between indexed and non-indexed journals.
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Learned how to identify and avoid predatory journals.
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Gained knowledge about the peer review process.
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Understood the proper structure of a research article.
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Developed awareness about publication ethics and impact factors.
The Q&A session at the end helped clarify doubts related to submission procedures, ethical guidelines, and journal credibility, making the day both informative and professionally valuable.
Day 3 – 29 January 2026
This session focused on the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in academic research. Prof. Dave explained the concept of AI hallucination, where AI tools generate false or fabricated information while presenting it confidently. He emphasized that AI does not truly “understand” information; therefore, researchers must verify and cross-check all AI-generated content with reliable academic sources.
He highlighted that academic integrity should never be compromised and that AI must function only as a supportive tool, not a substitute for critical thinking and originality.
My Learning Outcomes
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Learned the meaning and risks of AI hallucination.
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Understood methods to verify and fact-check AI-generated content.
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Recognized the importance of cross-checking with credible sources.
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Learned responsible and ethical use of AI in academic research.
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Realized that integrity is the foundation of true scholarship.
Afternoon Session
Dr. Ndoricimpa focused on advanced aspects of academic publishing. He explained how to respond professionally to reviewers’ comments and how to revise manuscripts effectively. He also discussed journal formatting requirements, submission processes, and aligning research work with the journal’s scope.
The session provided practical insights into preparing cover letters, handling revisions, and maintaining professional communication with journal editors.
My Learning Outcomes
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Learned how to respond constructively to reviewers’ comments.
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Understood manuscript formatting and submission procedures.
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Gained clarity about revision strategies after peer review.
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Developed confidence in planning future research publications.
Overall, the day strengthened my understanding of both ethical AI usage and professional academic publishing practices.
Day 4 – 30 January 2026
The fourth day began with breakfast, followed by highly motivating career-oriented sessions conducted by Dr. Kalyani Vallath
These sessions focused on understanding the journey from being a student to becoming a successful academic professional. Dr. Vallath explained that an academic career requires long-term planning, discipline, and continuous intellectual growth. She discussed the importance of setting clear goals and building a strong academic foundation from the early stages of study.
Special attention was given to NET/GSET preparation strategies, research engagement, and publication planning. She emphasized developing subject expertise, improving communication skills, and participating in seminars, conferences, and workshops to strengthen one’s academic profile. The sessions also highlighted the importance of networking, mentorship, and consistent skill development.
Dr. Vallath further explained how to balance teaching responsibilities with research and publication, stressing that both are essential for a sustainable academic career.
My Learning Outcomes
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Understood the step-by-step pathway from student to academic professional.
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Learned effective strategies for NET/GSET preparation.
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Gained clarity about building a strong and competitive academic profile.
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Recognized the importance of networking and continuous learning.
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Learned how to balance teaching, research, and publication responsibilities.
Parallel Lab Session
Preparation of Digital Resource Hub
Alongside the career sessions, a parallel lab session was conducted for the preparation of a Digital Resource Hub for undergraduate students of English. This was a collaborative and practical component of the workshop.
Participants worked together to collect, organize, and structure academic materials in a digital format to make them accessible and useful for students. The activity encouraged teamwork, planning, and thoughtful resource curation.
My Learning Outcomes
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Experienced collaborative academic teamwork.
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Learned how to organize study materials digitally in a systematic way.
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Understood the importance of structuring academic resources for easy accessibility and long-term use.
Day 4 was both inspiring and practical, as it connected academic ambition with collaborative contribution.
In these sessions, Dr. Vallath moved beyond foundational career guidance and focused on the practical dimensions of building a sustainable academic future. She provided detailed insights into writing research proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and understanding the expectations of research grants. The importance of clarity, originality, and feasibility in proposal writing was emphasized.
She also discussed how to prepare an effective academic CV that reflects teaching experience, research work, publications, conference participation, and academic achievements in a structured and professional manner. Attention was given to professional communication in academia, including writing formal emails, drafting statements of purpose, and maintaining academic etiquette.
Another important aspect of the sessions was long-term academic planning. Dr. Vallath encouraged participants to think strategically about their research interests, publication goals, and professional development over the next five to ten years.
My Learning Outcomes
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Gained deeper insight into writing research proposals and exploring funding opportunities.
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Learned how to prepare a well-structured and professional academic CV.
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Understood the importance of professional communication in academic settings.
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Developed awareness of long-term planning for sustained academic growth.
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