As I consider how to address the disruptions posed by AI in education, I am encouraged by numerous articles underscoring the need to prioritize teaching processes over mere content. This prompts me to examine how we can best impart the critical processes underlying the content of our disciplines. In this exploration, three key strategies have emerged that I hope to incorporate into my instruction as I focus on the underlying processes and the possibility of slowing down learning. Additionally, AI presents promise in helping us grasp, convey, and assess these pivotal processes.
The first strategy involves codifying the processes experts use to answer questions, solve problems, evaluate information, and think critically. AI can help us determine these essential processes, such as the steps, guiding questions, and taxonomies used by experts in the field. By shifting our instructional focus from what to think (our course content) to how to think (essential processes), we equip students with enduring skills that extend beyond the scope of our course.
The second strategy involves teaching memorization skills to build the foundational knowledge needed for deeper comprehension. Memorization enables not just fact recall, but shapes our thinking over time. It challenges our cognitive abilities and helps us own what we have learned. As an example, my experience memorizing Scripture has not only influenced my ability to understand the meaning of the text, but has also helped me internalize it. AI can help pinpoint effective memorization techniques fitted to the content we want to learn. For example, AI can suggest mnemonic devices that will help our students memorize and recall course content. And, it can help us practice our memorization skills (in much the same way it helps us practice language learning skills).
A third strategy includes using inductive study methods to teach critical thinking and writing skills. Using these methods slows students down to fully understand readings before interpreting, writing about, or applying the messages. AI can assist with observation, analysis, and concept-building for stronger comprehension and communication. I have used AI to assist with each one of these steps to help students build conceptual knowledge, putting students in a better position to internalize and communicate what they know.
Teaching Hacks: Guided Inquiry Learning
The first strategy involves codifying the processes experts use to answer questions, solve problems, evaluate information, and think critically. AI can help us determine these essential processes, such as the steps, guiding questions, and taxonomies used by experts in the field. By shifting our instructional focus from what to think (our course content) to how to think (essential processes), we equip students with enduring skills that extend beyond the scope of our course.
The second strategy involves teaching memorization skills to build the foundational knowledge needed for deeper comprehension. Memorization enables not just fact recall, but shapes our thinking over time. It challenges our cognitive abilities and helps us own what we have learned. As an example, my experience memorizing Scripture has not only influenced my ability to understand the meaning of the text, but has also helped me internalize it. AI can help pinpoint effective memorization techniques fitted to the content we want to learn. For example, AI can suggest mnemonic devices that will help our students memorize and recall course content. And, it can help us practice our memorization skills (in much the same way it helps us practice language learning skills).
A third strategy includes using inductive study methods to teach critical thinking and writing skills. Using these methods slows students down to fully understand readings before interpreting, writing about, or applying the messages. AI can assist with observation, analysis, and concept-building for stronger comprehension and communication. I have used AI to assist with each one of these steps to help students build conceptual knowledge, putting students in a better position to internalize and communicate what they know.
Teaching Hacks: Guided Inquiry Learning
- Use AI to guide inquiry learning by identifying processes experts use to evaluate information and solutions in the field and by navigating the process of inductive study methods.
- Use AI to assist memorization skill-building tailored to the individual or the course content. Follow up by prompting students to recite memorized materials to classmates in class or in virtual meetings for increased accountability.