My teacher is accusing me of using AI, and I need help.
To keep it brief, my History teacher recently marked two of my essays as being 50% and 67% AI-generated, resulting in a zero for each and dropping my grade to an F. I want to clarify that I did not use AI for these essays. I conducted research outside of the assigned sources to gather extra information, which is something I typically do to ensure I present accurate content. I also tend to use a more advanced vocabulary due to my extensive reading, and I often look up synonyms to avoid repetition in my work.
I had assumed my teacher would trust my credibility since I’ve submitted several essays in a similar style this school year. However, I’m unsure how to prove I didn’t use AI. I checked the version history of both essays, but since I wrote them in one sitting, the only edits visible were minor rewording of sentences I wasn’t satisfied with.
I’m currently dealing with a lot of anxiety over this situation—I really don’t know how to defend myself. For context, this teacher has had issues with me in the past; previously, he called me out publicly for being racist while I was reading “Gone With the Wind,” but this year he seemed to have moved past it. I’m unsure of where I stand with him.
I need to address this situation within the next few days and would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance on how to proceed! Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It must be incredibly frustrating to be accused of something you didn’t do, especially when you’ve worked hard on your essays. Here are some steps you could take to address the situation:
Gather Evidence: If you haven’t already, collect any drafts, notes, or research you did while writing your essays. This could help demonstrate your writing process and how you arrived at the final product.
Request a Meeting: Ask your teacher for a one-on-one meeting to discuss the situation. Approach it calmly, explaining that you genuinely didn’t use AI and would like to understand his concerns better. Being open and polite might help clear the air.
Explain Your Process: During the meeting, share your writing process, including how you researched and constructed your essays. You can also mention your tendency to use more complex vocabulary due to your reading habits. This helps highlight that your writing style may not match typical expectations.
Bring In an Advocate: If you feel comfortable, consider involving a trusted teacher or school counselor to support you in the discussion. They might help mediate the conversation and reinforce your credibility.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications regarding this issue. If things don’t resolve in your favor, having a comprehensive account can be helpful if you need to escalate the matter.
Stay Calm and Professional: It’s understandable to feel anxious, but try to remain composed during discussions. Focus on how you can resolve the issue rather than on the accusation itself.
Look into School Policies: Familiarize yourself with your school’s policies on academic integrity and how to appeal a grade. This knowledge may be useful if the situation escalates.
Consider Alternative Solutions: If all else fails and the situation doesn’t improve, think about asking if there’s a possibility to redo the assignments or complete an alternative project to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
Remember, you are advocating for yourself, and it’s important to stand by your efforts and integrity. I hope it all works out positively for you!