Developing Critical Thinkers in an AI-Driven World

As AI becomes part of how students research, write, solve problems, and create, one question matters more than ever:
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How do we make sure students are still thinking for themselves?
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This workshop took place on October 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT.

Tywan Martin of the University of Miami and Corinne Santarpia of Kritik came together for a practical conversation on designing learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, judgment, reflection, and student ownership in an AI-driven world.

The session explored how instructors can move beyond simply asking whether students used AI and instead focus on the thinking students still need to demonstrate themselves. The discussion examined ways to make student decision-making more visible and design assignments that encourage students to analyze, explain, evaluate, apply, and defend their ideas while learning to use AI responsibly.

The conversation also addressed the importance of evaluating sources, questioning assumptions, recognizing bias, reflecting on one’s own thinking, and using critical thinking as a filter between credible information and misinformation.

In this session, we explored:

• What critical thinking looks like when AI can generate answers instantly
• How to design assignments that require students to explain and defend their reasoning
• How structured questioning can encourage deeper thinking
• Ways to help students evaluate evidence, assumptions, and different perspectives
• How reflection, feedback, and discussion can strengthen critical thinking
• Where AI can support learning without replacing student judgment
• Practical strategies instructors can adapt across disciplines, including peer assessment and collaborative learning

Who This Session Was For

This webinar was designed for instructors, faculty, instructional designers, teaching and learning teams, and academic leaders looking for practical ways to strengthen student thinking and engagement in the age of AI.

The session was especially relevant for educators interested in helping students develop stronger critical thinking, decision-making, reflection, AI literacy, and evaluative judgment as AI becomes increasingly integrated into learning.

Guest Speaker: Tywan Martin

Tywan Martin of the University of Miami shared his perspective on helping students move beyond surface-level responses and engage more deeply with their learning.

The discussion explored how students can develop greater awareness of their own thinking, recognize potential cognitive biases, consider different perspectives, evaluate credible evidence, and become more thoughtful and independent learners in an increasingly AI-enabled world.

Workshop Recap

Developing Critical Thinkers in an AI-Driven World explored how educators can keep student thinking at the center of learning, even when AI can generate answers instantly.

The key takeaway: AI can support learning, but students still need opportunities to reason, question, evaluate, reflect, and make decisions for themselves.

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