My Learnings from the National Workshop on Academic Writing (2026)

The National Workshop on Academic Writing 

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the National Workshop on Academic Writing (2026) organised by the Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, under the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat. The workshop was an intensive and eye-opening experience that reshaped my understanding of academic writing, research practices, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in academia.

Here are my key takeaways and reflections from the workshop.

Inaugural Insights: Human Intelligence in the Age of AI

The inaugural session set a thought-provoking tone. One powerful message stayed with me: 'It is important to control AI before AI controls us.'

Speakers highlighted the distinction between natural intelligence and artificial intelligence, emphasising that while AI may simulate intelligence, it lacks human judgment, ethics, and contextual understanding. We were reminded that although India ranks among the top countries in research publication output, the quality of research — reflected in patents and citations — still needs improvement. The Vice Chancellor stressed the disciplined and accountable use of AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human thinking.

Session by Dr. Paresh Joshi: Developing Academic Writing

Dr. Paresh Joshi clarified that academic writing is the language of research documentation — factual, objective, and evidence-based. Unlike literary writing, academic writing requires detachment from personal emotions and a logical, analytical approach.

He explained the research communication process as:

Listen (Research) → Report (Summarize/Synthesize) → Respond

(Analyze/Evaluate) → Argue (Present Research Claim)

A strong argument, he emphasised, is impossible without a solid literature review.

We also explored the stages of writing:

Plan → Draft → Edit → Revise → Proofread → Submit → Receive Feedback

Important contrasts were discussed:

Formal vs. informal language

Clarity vs. obscurity

Concise vs. wordy

Logical flow vs. repetition

Proper hedging vs. overgeneralization

One key takeaway: Academic writing values precision and reasoning over

decorative language.

Session on Prompt Engineering and AI in Education

This session focused on the growing role of AI in academia. We learnt that there are no universally fixed guidelines yet for AI use in education, making responsible usage even more important.

Effective prompts should:

• Be clear and specific
• Provide context
• Specify format and style
• Include examples where possible

We were introduced to zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting techniques, along with the importance of iterative refinement and bias awareness in prompt design.

A strong emphasis was placed on fact-checking AI outputs to avoid hallucinations. The message was clear:

👉 AI should assist research, not replace human critical thinking. Accuracy matters more than speed.

Dr. Kalyan Chattopadhyay: Foundations of Academic Writing

Dr. Chattopadhyay explained that writing is cultural, but academic writing must be purposeful and structured. He highlighted four pillars:

• Formality – Focus on argument and evidence
• Objectivity – Logical reasoning supported by citations
• Clarity – Clear structure (Topic sentence → Evidence → Analysis → Link)
• Precision – Accurate vocabulary, data, and references
• 

A memorable technique introduced was the card clustering method for organising literature by themes — an incredibly practical strategy for literature reviews.

He also outlined three stages of research writing:

Pre-writing: Brainstorm, research, outline

Writing: Use structures like PIE (Point–Illustration–Explanation)

Revision: Reverse outline, test logic, read aloud

Dr. Ndoricimpa Clement: Publishing in Scopus & Web of Science

This session focused on writing research papers for indexed journals. Publishing, we learnt, is not only about academic contribution but also about professional recognition and visibility.

The standard structure IMRD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) was discussed in detail. Dr. Clement emphasized the importance of identifying a research niche — a gap that your study uniquely addresses.

A valuable hands-on activity involved drafting an introduction, after which

Participants received individual feedback on:

Citation practices

Title design

Academic vocabulary

Language accuracy

Dr Nigam Dave: AI Hallucinations and Academic Integrity

This session was particularly eye-opening. Dr Dave defined AI hallucination as confidently presented but factually incorrect information generated by AI.

A striking idea shared was, 'It is not enough that AI has said so.'

He explained that AI often produces statistically probable language, not verified truth, making humanities students especially vulnerable due to abstract, theory-heavy writing.

We discussed strategies to:

• Detect hallucinations
• Cross-check information
• Use AI critically rather than blindly

AI, we learnt, should be used as a tool for verification, idea refinement, and process guidance, not as an unquestioned authority.

Final Reflection

This workshop transformed my perspective on both academic writing and AI in research. I realised that good research writing is not about complex language but about clear thinking, strong evidence, structured arguments, and ethical responsibility.

Most importantly, I learnt that AI can support scholarship, but human intelligence must lead it.

The workshop was not just informative but deeply empowering. It strengthened my confidence as a researcher and reminded me that discipline, reading, critical thinking, and integrity remain the foundation of meaningful academic work.

Flipped Learning- Writing Techniques for Different Digital Platforms

Flipped Learning

Flipped learning is a student-centred teaching approach in which basic concepts are introduced before class through videos, reading materials, or online blogs. At the same time, classroom time is used for discussion, practice, and application of knowledge. In this method, students take responsibility for their initial learning at home, and the teacher acts as a facilitator during class by clarifying doubts, conducting activities, and providing feedback. Flipped learning encourages active participation, improves understanding, and helps students develop critical thinking and practical skills, especially in subjects like content and blog writing.

Writing Techniques for Blogs, Social Media, and Websites

In digital communication, one style of writing does not fit all platforms. The way we write a blog is different from how we write a social media post or website content. Each platform has a different audience, purpose, and format.

In this blog, you will learn how writing techniques change across blogs, social media, and websites, and how to choose the right style for each.

Watch the Videos

 

Reading Notes for Learners

I. Core Principles of Digital Writing

• The Reality of Digital Reading: Most online users do not read word-for-word; approximately 79% of users scan a new page, while only 16% read linearly.
• Scannability: This is the most critical technique for digital platforms. Writers must use short sentences, bulleted lists, and ample white space to help users decide if a page is worth their time within the first 10 seconds.
• The Inverted Pyramid: Information should be prioritized by placing the most substantial and important details at the top. This "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF) approach ensures the audience gets the basics immediately, even if they stop reading midway.
• Human Tone of Voice: Avoid "sanitized corporate-speak". Digital content should sound like a knowledgeable friend explaining something clearly, utilizing conversational language to build trust.

II. Platform-Specific Writing Techniques

• PlatformRecommended LengthWriting Style & ToneMain Focus
• Blogs 400 – 1,000 words Informative, conversational, and structured. Education, value, and SEO.
• Social Media Short (varies by network) Catchy, direct, and emotionally engaging. Instant attention and interaction.
• Websites: Medium; concise but powerful. Professional, clear, and goal-oriented. Trust and conversion.

III. Deep Dive by Platform

• Writing for Blogs:
• Topic & Research: Start with audience research to identify specific 'pain points'.
• Post Types: Use structured formats like 'How-to' posts, Hybrid Lists (bullets mixed with narratives), or Narrative Stories.
• Engagement: End with a Call to Action (CTA) that moves the reader to the next step, such as commenting or connecting on social media, but avoid 'hard sells'.
• Writing for Social Media:
• The Hook: A powerful first line is essential to 'stop the scroll'. It should play into curiosity, emotion, or relatability.
• Platform Language: Tailor the style to each network—X (Twitter) rewards short, witty replies; LinkedIn favors deeper professional insights; TikTok allows for playful misspelling and emojis for dramatic effect.
• Narrative Structures: Use frameworks like 'Hook → Shift → Snap' (surprise endings) or 'Before → After → Insight' (transformation stories).
• Writing for Websites:
• Microcopy: Pay attention to 'tiny' bits of text like button labels and error messages. Use actionable labels like 'Send Invite' instead of  'Submit'.
• Empathy in Errors: Instead of a generic 'Something went wrong', use microcopy to troubleshoot, such as: "Oops! We couldn't process your payment. Please check your card details.
• First Impressions: Since visitors decide quickly, content must clearly state what the organization offers and the benefits to the user.

In today's fast-moving digital world, writing is no longer a 'one-size-fits-all' skill. Whether you are crafting a detailed blog, a punchy social media post, or a professional website, your success depends on how well you adapt your technique to the platform and the audience.

The 'Scan' Culture. The first rule of digital writing is accepting that most people don’t read; they scan. Research shows that digital readers increasingly rely on skimming and keyword spotting. To fight 'cognitive overload', high-quality digital content must be clear, easy to skim, and genuinely useful.

Blogs: The Authority Builder Blog writing is the place for depth. A good blog post (typically 400–1,000 words) should solve a specific problem for the reader. By using headings, subheadings, and bullet points, you can turn complex information into a 'scannable' format that helps readers grasp ideas without difficulty.

Social Media: The Art of the Hook. Social media writing is shaped by how people scroll in real time. Because attention spans are short, you must start with a strong hook to give the reader a reason to pause. Each platform has its own 'rhythm'—what works as a professional insight on LinkedIn might need to be a playful, emoji-filled caption on Instagram.

Websites: The Trust Foundation Website writing is about conversion and clarity. Visitors often arrive with a specific goal, such as comparing products. Your job is to guide them smoothly using concise language and helpful "microcopy". Even small changes, like updating a button from 'Click Here' to 'Start Your Free Trial', can dramatically improve trust and engagement.

Regardless of the platform, the goal of digital writing is to build transparent and crisp communication. By focusing on the reader's benefits rather than firm-focused features, you make the reader the 'hero' of your story, leading to long-term loyalty and success.

Reflection Questions (Feel free to share your answers in the comment section below):

1. How does writing for a blog differ from writing for social media in terms of length and tone?
2. Which digital platform do you find most challenging to write for, and why?
3. How do writing techniques differ for blogs, social media posts, and website content?
4. Mention one key feature for each platform.
5. If you are given the topic 'Time Management for Students,' how would you change your writing style for any two digital platforms?

Flipped learning- Importance of Quality Content in Digital Marketing

Flipped Learning

Flipped learning is a student-centred teaching approach in which basic concepts are introduced before class through videos, reading materials, or online blogs, while classroom time is used for discussion, practice, and application of knowledge. In this method, students take responsibility for their initial learning at home, and the teacher acts as a facilitator during class by clarifying doubts, conducting activities, and providing feedback. Flipped learning encourages active participation, improves understanding, and helps students develop critical thinking and practical skills, especially in subjects like content and blog writing.

Importance of Quality Content in Digital Marketing

In today’s digital world, content is everywhere—websites, blogs, social media posts, emails, and advertisements. But not all content creates an impact. Some content attracts readers, builds trust, and influences decisions, while some content is ignored. This difference depends on content quality.

In this blog, you will understand what quality content is, why it matters in digital marketing, and how it helps brands connect with audiences.

Watch the videos

 

Notes for Learners

1. Definition of Quality Content

Quality content is the backbone of digital marketing. It is not just about writing long articles or using fancy words; it is about creating meaningful, useful, and relevant information that truly connects with a specific audience. In a world full of thousands of digital messages, quality content is what attracts attention and helps people make decisions.

Real-Life Example: Imagine a clothing brand like Indochino. Instead of just posting a link that says 'Buy a suit,' they create 'editorial-style' landing pages that look like helpful magazine articles. These pages provide styling tips and location-specific information, making the content valuable to the reader rather than just a sales pitch.

2. Characteristics of Quality Content

• Relevant
• It addresses the specific needs, interests, and problems of the target audience.
• The content is tailored to the platform it lives on, such as a professional tone for LinkedIn or a casual style for Instagram.
• It provides solutions or tips that the reader can actually use in their daily life.

• Clear
• It uses simple and conversational language so that readers feel comfortable.
• Information is organised with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make it easy to scan.
• The message is direct and avoids unnecessary 'filler' words that confuse the reader.
• Accurate
• It provides honest and reliable information, which helps build brand trust.
• The facts and data used are verifiable and free from errors.
• It establishes the brand as an 'expert' source that the audience can depend on for truth.
• Original
• It provides unique insights or new analysis rather than just copying what others have said.
• Even if it uses other sources, it adds substantial value or a new perspective.
• It focuses on being 'people-first', meaning it is created for a human reader, not just to trick a search engine.
• Audience-focused
• It prioritises the audience's informational needs over the company's sales message.
• It is designed to leave the reader feeling that they have had a satisfying experience and learnt something new.
• It speaks directly to the reader (using words like 'you' and 'your') to create a personal connection.

3. Difference Between Quality Content and Poor Content

Feature	Quality Content	Poor Content
Primary Goal	To help, educate, or inform the reader.	Primarily made to attract search engine visits or 'clicks'.
Usefulness	Offers a complete and comprehensive description of a topic.	Summarises what others say without adding any new value.
Language	Simple, clear, and professional yet friendly.	Uses heavy jargon or 'clickbait' titles that exaggerate the truth.
Engagement	Encourages the reader to stay on the page and interact.	Leads to 'bouncing' (readers leaving quickly because they are bored or confused).
Value	Connects with the reader's emotions and builds long-term trust.	Focuses only on quick sales or promotional messages.

Reflection Questions (Feel free to share your answers in the comment section below):

1. Explain how quality content influences audience trust and engagement in digital marketing. Give one example to support your answer.
2. How does the writing style change when content is created for blogs, social media, and websites? Mention one key technique for each platform.
3. As a student and future professional, how do you think creating quality content can help you in your career or personal branding?
4. Think about a website, blog, or social media page you visit regularly. What makes its content trustworthy and interesting for you? Mention any two qualities you notice.