Case Study: Supervised Writing Labs at Western University

MATCHA began as a software solution for supervised writing labs at Western University. After experimenting with edit-tracking software, we found that far too many students, over 30%, were transcribing or auto-typing AI-generated essays. In most cases, however, the evidence was still not strong enough to support a formal academic offense. That limitation made edit-tracking alone an inadequate response.

The clearest way to preserve the essay assignment was to have students write under supervision. We approached the university administration about making a room available for supervised writing in a large online course, and the idea was met with enthusiasm at every level. A room was quickly identified. The supervised writing lab model soon emerged as the strongest way to support fair essay writing: it addresses AI misuse while also drawing students back into a shared academic environment. For an institution like Western, it makes use of one of its greatest strengths, its physical campus, while improving both integrity and the student experience.

Western's pilot writing lab, which is expected to begin operating soon, will be staffed by course teaching assistants. They will do their preparation and grading in the space while supervising students. In addition to being cost-efficient, using already-assigned TAs has the benefit that they can also help with writing questions and course content when needed. Writing assignments will be staggered to help manage peaks in room demand.