New teaching method helps students develop critical thinking skills while using AI

Researchers create exercise that teaches students to evaluate AI generated analysis.

Students learn to use artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human judgment.

Amanda S. Patel, assistant professor of management at the Schmidthorst College of Business, along with co-authors Sheila Simsarian Webber and Jodi Detjen, published an article in the Management Teaching Review outlining a structured, four-step exercise that teaches students to think critically about AI-generated content. The approach guides students in synthesizing interview data while building the skills to evaluate, refine, and improve AI outputs.

The approach addresses a growing challenge in higher education. Many institutions recognize that students need AI competencies for the workplace, yet few have developed effective pedagogical methods to teach responsible AI use. This exercise provides a practical solution that other instructors can implement immediately.

Students first co-develop interview questions with their instructor. They then conduct and record interviews with working professionals, typically lasting 20 to 45 minutes. Next, they use AI tools to synthesize the interview data. Finally, they critically evaluate the AI-generated results and make corrections based on their own analysis.

The exercise reveals important lessons about AI limitations. Students learn to identify when AI repeats information or provides insufficient detail. They discover that AI sometimes gives disproportionate weight to a single comment from one interview. Students also find that AI occasionally suggests course concepts they had not considered, prompting them to revisit course materials for deeper understanding.

Students correct AI errors by adding details from their original interviews or adjusting relevant concepts. This process teaches them that AI output typically lacks the analytical depth appropriate for final deliverables. Students learn to advocate for using AI in conjunction with their own critical thinking rather than accepting AI results without question.

The method positions AI as a collaborator that reduces cognitive load. By using AI to organize information, students free mental capacity to focus on deeper analysis and concept application. This framework helps students understand AI as a tool that enhances rather than replaces human thinking.

The approach prepares students for workplaces where AI skills are increasingly expected. Organizations now require graduates who can work effectively with artificial intelligence tools while maintaining strong analytical abilities.

AI-Enabled Interview Synthesis and Analysis is available via Sage Journals.