5 Steps to Update Assignments to Foster Critical Thinking and Authentic Learning in an AI Age

I recently attended a student panel on use of AI in college classes. The three panelists shared their perspectives, borne out in an April 2025 Gallup survey: they want to learn to use AI tools in appropriate ways, they’re anxious about the potential negative impact on their critical thinking skills, and they want explicit guidance from their faculty members—which they’re not consistently getting.  

Even, or especially, in an AI age, we know our students need to think critically and…