Trine's Rentz publishes article on assessment strategies in AI era

A Trine University faculty member has authored an article for The Teaching Professor newsletter addressing one of higher education's most pressing questions: How do we ensure students are truly earning their degrees in an era of artificial intelligence?

Jeremy Rentz, Ph.D., Schantz Distinguished Professor in the Allen School of Engineering and Computing, authored "Timeless Teaching, Modern Challenges: Ensuring Learning in an AI World," published Monday, Oct. 20. The article will also appear in The Best of the 2025 Teaching Professor Conference, a free publication distributed by Magna Publications.

Rentz draws on educational research to offer practical strategies for designing assessments that reduce opportunities for dishonesty while promoting genuine learning. He advocates for frequent, in-class exams; reframing homework as practice rather than a primary grade component; and incorporating exam review days directly into class time.

"The goal isn't to eliminate AI or catch every misuse, because that's impossible," Rentz writes. "Instead, it's to design assessments that get students to do the work and put the AI to the side."

For assignments completed outside class, Rentz recommends helping students understand why the work matters and grading the process, not just the final product.

"I prefer a supportive approach where mutual trust fuels learning," Rentz said. "As the conductors of our classrooms, we can create positive changes for our students."

“Artificial intelligence and large language models continue to have an increasing impact in our graduates' workplaces as well as our Trine students' classrooms. We understand our students need to be equipped to know when and how to use these tools — and when not to,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., executive vice president at Trine University. “I appreciate Dr. Rentz’s continued commitment and leadership to teaching excellence, best practice pedagogy and student success. We are proud that he provides faculty at Trine University and across the country with the knowledge and resources to become more effective educators.”

Trine's emphasis on teaching excellence ensures students develop genuine skills and knowledge, not just credentials. The university's Center for Teaching Excellence supports faculty across campus through workshops and seminars, all aimed at creating meaningful learning experiences where students master material and graduate prepared for career success.

The Teaching Professor newsletter reaches thousands of educators across disciplines. The article is available at https://www.teachingprofessor.com/topics/teaching-strategies/teaching-with-technology/timeless-teaching-modern-challenges-ensuring-learning-in-an-ai-world/.