In this episode we explore how AI tools can either preserve or undermine one of the most important parts of learning: productive struggle.

We look at Student Achievement Partners’ recent piece on AI in literacy and math classrooms, with a focus on the caution that students may lose essential learning opportunities when AI does the thinking too early.

Topics covered:

• What Student Achievement Partners warns about AI in literacy and math classrooms
• Why productive struggle matters for student learning
• Manu Kapur’s research on productive failure
• The difference between cognitive surrender and skipped thinking
• How AI can either extend or eliminate learning effort
• What teachers should look for when AI enters an assignment
• How instructional coaches can observe AI use in classrooms
• What district leaders should ask before approving AI tools

Sources:

https://learnwithsap.org/cross-content/ai-is-so-hot-right-now-opportunities-and-cautions-in-literacy-and-math-classrooms/

https://arch.kuleuven.be/studeren/tall/artikels/productive-failure-kapur.pdf/@@download/file/Productive%20Failure%20Kapur.pdf

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07370000802212669

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00461520.2016.1155457

https://bellwether.org/publications/productive-struggle/?activeTab=1