Educators are calling for a fundamental shift in classroom instruction to foster critical thinking as artificial intelligence provides students with immediate answers [1].

The shift is necessary because the accessibility of AI threatens to replace the cognitive struggle required for deep learning. If students rely on automated outputs for every assignment, they may lose the ability to synthesize information and question premises independently.

In a discussion at the TVN Exponencial studio in Chile, Magdalena Claro, director of CEPPE UC, and interviewer Carolina Urrejola explored the challenge of redefining how students think in this environment [1]. The conversation highlighted a growing urgency among educators to move beyond the simple use of technology and toward a model of reflection.

This debate extends beyond Chile. In an article published March 31, 2026, Rebeca Anijovich said, "La IA nos obliga a repensar el sentido de la evaluación" [2]. The sentiment suggests that traditional grading metrics, which often reward the correct final answer, are no longer viable when a machine can generate that answer in seconds.

Some experts argue that the terminology used to describe these tools is misleading. In a May 5, 2026, report, Eduardo Levy Yeyati said it is necessary to stop thinking that AI is actual intelligence [3]. By decoupling the concept of "intelligence" from algorithmic processing, educators hope to emphasize the unique human capacity for critical analysis.

There is an ongoing tension regarding the impact of these tools on student motivation. Some reports suggest AI is removing the desire for students to think, while others argue the real challenge is learning how to think alongside the technology [4].

The consensus among these academic leaders is that the classroom must evolve. Rather than banning AI, the goal is to integrate it in a way that requires students to verify, critique, and expand upon AI-generated content rather than accepting it as a finished product [1].

“"La IA nos obliga a repensar el sentido de la evaluación."”

The transition toward 'thinking with AI' represents a shift from outcome-based education to process-based education. By focusing on how a student arrives at a conclusion—rather than the conclusion itself—educators are attempting to insulate cognitive development from automation, ensuring that critical thinking remains a human-led skill.