University of Michigan
Leveraging GenAI to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

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University of Michigan

Leveraging GenAI to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

John K. Thompson

Instructor: John K. Thompson

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Define critical thinking and use it to evaluate external information effectively

  • Employ a critical thinking framework for everyday use

  • Recognize how critical thinking enhances information analysis and decision-making speed with practice

  • Demonstrate how GenAI and critical thinking support fact-based thinking and defensible positions

Details to know

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Recently updated!

November 2025

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

This module introduces Critical Thinking (CT), exploring its history, definition, and evolution. It explains the CT process: Recognizing assumptions, questioning evidence, developing and evaluating support, and assessing outcomes. You will adopt a foundational Critical Thinking Framework to analyze information rationally, integrate it into your thinking, and apply it effectively.

What's included

7 videos6 readings1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, you will deepen your understanding of the Critical Thinking Framework (CTF) and its daily application. You will personalize your CTF, integrating ethics, responsibility, and accountability. Through exercises, and AI-assisted activities, you will practice evaluating diverse information sources responsibly and applying CT to everyday decisions and problem-solving.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment

In Module Three, you will extend your understanding of GenAI and build your own Critical Thinking Framework. You’ll choose suitable models, grasp how LLMs aid CT, distinguish human intelligence from artificial intelligence, and reduce hallucinations, use AI to offload memory, access evidence, and amplify creativity while you question assumptions, evaluate support, compare perspectives, and judge outcomes responsibly.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment

In this module, you’ll learn how to extend and personalize your Critical Thinking Framework (CTF). You’ll adapt your existing CT processes, use GenAI to enhance reasoning and efficiency, craft precise prompts, and integrate your CTF into daily thinking—developing a lasting, personalized framework to guide your critical thinking practice.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment

In the final module, you’ll review and integrate all course concepts: Ethical foundations, the Critical Thinking Framework, and GenAI’s role in enhancing your CT skills. You’ll revisit key ideas, assess your understanding, refine your personal CTF, and strengthen your ability to think critically, ethically, and creatively in everyday contexts.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

Instructor

John K. Thompson
University of Michigan
0 Courses0 learners

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