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> ChatGPT and the like has frequently been used in the classroom to help with the cold start problem when doing writing assignments, and for getting feedback on
by lelanthran 4mo ago
> ChatGPT and the like has frequently been used in the classroom to help with the cold start problem when doing writing assignments, and for getting feedback on written work before handing in to the teachers. Also frequently used as a brainstorming tool or for writing whole speaches or presentations that should be held in front of the class or school.
Aren't those things critical thinking? We do we want to prevent the acquisition of critical thinking skills.
- bendriv 4mo agoWhat things do you mean represent critical thinking?
- lelanthran 4mo agoThe cold start problem in creating a piece of content requires executive decision-making (planning, design, selection). That's a critical-thinking type of skill (examine existing options, determine relevancy, determine good arguments from bad, etc). Reviewing your own work requires critical thinking, almost by definition! Brain-storming likewise requires some elements of critical thinking. Writing entire speeches and presentations is almost all critical thinking, as it covers the gamut from planning all the way to implementation and execution.
- bendriv 4mo agoCompletely agree, and I think outsourcing critical thinking to AI is a bad idea for learning. Here is one study that researched AI assistance in a writing/learning context: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872 https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872. The teachers that have instructed using AI for assistance in our school seems focused on teaching how to technically use specifically ChatGPT (that particular product, not AI in general), and on the courage to speak in front of people. Learning how to speak in front of people is a noble goal, but I believe any person would be better prepared for speaking if they had done the hard work of writing in the first place.