Abstract:
The use of Generative AI in humanities and the social sciences education in Sri Lanka has raised
significant concerns in higher education discourses in Sri Lanka. The use of Generative AI is an issue
categorically in a discipline such as English studies given that authenticity and originality are critical
to develop skills in textual and linguistic analyses. This mixed-methods research is an ongoing,
collaborative project by the Staff Members of the Department of English and Linguistics of the Faculty
of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Ruhuna on the feasibility of adopting an
assessment methodology/criterion for oral presentations considering undergraduates‘ expectations for
quality education in the humanities and social sciences within emerging trends of Generative AI such
as ChatGPT and Gemini. This study is important to ascertain the validity and reliability of the testing
and evaluation procedures in assessing the undergraduate performance in the modules offered within
the curricula of BA (Hons) in English and BA (General) in Arts degree programmes. Considering the
policy level implications of the study, policy document analysis will be employed as a primary
research method along with the data gathered from open-ended interviews with practitioners,
researchers and lecturers involved in the curricula of the Department. The qualitative data thus gained
will be triangulated with quantitative data gathered from a questionnaire administered among the
undergraduates of the Department as key stakeholders of the university education system. The study
will argue for a pedagogic necessity for adopting alternative assessments based on criteria that
primarily assess the undergraduates‘ presentation skills, its relevance within the discourse on quality
assurance in the higher education sector and the establishment of a policy framework on using
Generative AI in pedagogical activities in a responsible and ethical manner. Finally, based on the best
practices explored during the study on creating a framework on presentation-based alternative
assessments as followed at the Department of English and Linguistics, the researchers will present
recommendations to be implemented at the national level.
