Todd Zakrajsek from UNC-Chapel Hill and ITLC-Lilly Conferences on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning states that artificial intelligence (AI) has become closely associated with efficiency and results in higher education. AI is frequently used for tasks such as scheduling, drafting emails, managing resources, and checking references. Additionally, AI assists in creating lecture outlines, simulations, problem-solving activities, formative assessments, and content mapping. While AI’s capabilities and speed are notable, learning focuses more on processes than outcomes. Educational outcomes aim to evaluate the extent of process learning, and AI can significantly aid students in engaging with metacognitive processes.
Metacognition, the awareness of one’s own knowledge and thought processes, is crucial for learning, as noted by Flavell in 1979. To achieve deeper learning, students can hone their skills in planning, monitoring, and reflecting. Planning involves setting up the learning environment, including setting goals, choosing study strategies, and minimizing interruptions. Monitoring involves assessing progress and understanding, such as evaluating comprehension and discussing challenges in study groups. Reflecting happens after study sessions to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and recognize any unmet goals. Research by McGuire, Tanner, and Zakrajsek shows developing these strategies enhances learning. AI can support students in this area, regardless of the platform used, such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
For metacognitive planning, AI-powered apps can help set goals, suggest strategies, and create study plans with breaks and time allocations. AI can identify common problem areas, draft study group guidelines, and generate pre-tests. In monitoring, AI tools like Quizlet or Socrative can pose questions to check understanding, and chatbots like ChatGPT can provide feedback on explanations. AI dashboards can track progress, suggest alternative strategies, and recommend cognitive breaks. For reflection, AI can grade essay responses, analyze study session time, and prompt discussions on emotions and experiences.
The purpose is for learners to actively engage in the learning process, with AI providing assessments and suggestions. Students should understand that AI can prompt reflection, but true introspection requires active participation. Relying solely on AI can hinder learning, as cognitive effort is necessary for growth. AI should not replace the mental effort required for learning, similar to how physical exercise builds strength.
As AI becomes more prevalent in education, it should be used to enhance the learning process rather than focus solely on outcomes. By integrating AI into metacognitive practices like planning, monitoring, and reflecting, educators can foster thoughtful, self-directed learners.
Original Source: scholarlyteacher.com
