Critical Thinking, Student Learning, and AI
- To
- Online
Teaching and Learning Transformation Center workshop for instructors:
What do we really mean when we say our courses teach critical thinking, and how does that change in a climate where generative AI can complete many academic tasks?
Recent studies highlight that AI can both support and complicate the development of critical thinking. Some research indicates that AI can guide students through complex inquiries and provide personalized feedback to strengthen higher-order skills (Oliva Cordova et al., 2025). Other studies raise concerns that students may rely on AI in ways that bypass the reasoning processes needed for deep understanding (Chaparro Banegas et al., 2024; Obaje, 2025).
In this session, you will reflect on how critical thinking is defined, demonstrated, and assessed in your discipline and teaching. You will consider whether your assessments support the kinds of thinking you want students to do and how AI might help or hinder that process. We will examine sample assessments, review your own, and discuss ways to make reasoning and critical thinking more visible and intentional in your courses.
For more information about the TLTC, visit tltc.umd.edu.
To see other upcoming TLTC workshops, visit tltc.umd.edu/instructors/workshops.
Location
Online Registration Link: Registration link for Critical Thinking, Student Learning, and AI
This workshop will be held online via Zoom. When you register, you will gain access to the Zoom link through the Workday course. Make sure you are logged into Zoom with your UMD credentials.