‘Students can’t reason’: Teachers warn AI is fueling a crisis in kids’ ability to think

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping student learning is a topic of growing concern. A recent report by the Brookings Institution sheds light on the profound effects that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are having on students' cognitive development. As educators and learners navigate this new terrain, the report warns of an emerging crisis: the "great unwiring" of students' brains.

The Rise of AI in Education

AI technologies have become increasingly prevalent in classrooms, offering students unprecedented access to information and assistance. While these tools can enhance learning experiences, the Brookings report suggests that their ease of use may be contributing to a decline in critical thinking and cognitive skills. As students lean on AI for tasks that once required deep thought and analysis, there is a growing concern that they are losing the ability to engage in complex reasoning.

The "Great Unwiring" Phenomenon

The report highlights a troubling trend: students are becoming overly reliant on AI, leading to what is described as cognitive atrophy. This dependency is resulting in a lack of mastery in essential skills such as reading and writing. As students turn to AI for quick answers and solutions, they may be missing out on the opportunity to develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success in both academic and real-world settings.

"The ease of access to AI tools is leading to a decline in critical thinking and cognitive skills," warns the Brookings Institution report.

Empowering Students Through Balanced Use

Despite these challenges, there is hope for a balanced approach that empowers students to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining their cognitive abilities. Educators play a crucial role in guiding students to use AI as a tool for exploration and discovery, rather than a crutch. By fostering an environment that encourages curiosity and independent thought, teachers can help students develop the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.

As we look to the future, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and nurturing the timeless skills of critical thinking and problem-solving. By doing so, we can ensure that students are equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and competence.

Originally published at https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/students-cant-reason-teachers-warn-ai-fueling-crisis-in-kids-ability-to-think/

ResearchWize Editorial Insight

The article "The Impact of AI on Students' Critical Thinking Skills" is a poignant reflection on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and its implications for both students and educators. It matters deeply for students and researchers because it touches on the heart of what it means to learn and think critically in an age where technology is omnipresent.

For teachers in the classroom, this article serves as a reminder of the delicate balance we must strike between embracing the benefits of AI and fostering the essential skills of critical thinking and problem-solving. It underscores the importance of guiding students to use AI as a tool for exploration, rather than a shortcut that bypasses deeper cognitive engagement. This is where the art of teaching truly shines—creating learning experiences that challenge students to question, analyze, and synthesize information, even when technology offers an easier path.

In terms of inclusion, the article invites us to consider how AI can be both a bridge and a barrier. While AI tools can democratize access to information, they also risk widening the gap for students who may become overly dependent on them, potentially stifling their intellectual growth. As educators, we must be vigilant in ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success in an increasingly complex world.

For researchers, the article highlights a rich area of inquiry: how can we design educational technologies that support, rather than supplant, cognitive development? It challenges us to explore innovative pedagogies that integrate AI in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, students' capacity for independent thought.

Ultimately, this article is a call to action for all of us involved in education. It encourages us to reflect on our practices and to strive for a future where technology and critical thinking coexist harmoniously, empowering students to navigate their world with confidence and competence.

Looking Ahead

As we step into the future of AI education, envision a classroom as a garden. In this garden, AI is a well-tended tool, not the gardener itself. Teachers and students work together, planting seeds of curiosity and watering them with questions and discussions. AI, like a sturdy trellis, supports the growth but never overshadows the plants.

To nurture this environment, educators can integrate AI in ways that encourage collaborative learning. Imagine students working in small groups, each using AI to gather information, then coming together to share insights and challenge each other's thinking. This process not only builds knowledge but also strengthens bonds, making learning a shared journey.

Inclusion is the soil that sustains this garden. AI can be tailored to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring every student has a voice. By providing personalized resources, AI helps students who might struggle in traditional settings find their footing. But it is the human touch that ensures these tools are used with empathy and understanding.

The emotional side of schooling is the sunlight that keeps everything growing. Teachers, as the heart of the classroom, can use AI to free up time for more meaningful interactions. This allows them to focus on fostering a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe to explore and make mistakes. In this way, AI becomes a partner in nurturing not just intellect but also emotional resilience.

In this vision, AI education is not about replacing the human element but enhancing it. By thoughtfully integrating AI, we can cultivate a future where students are not just consumers of information but active participants in their learning journey. With careful tending, this garden of education can flourish, yielding a harvest of well-rounded, critical thinkers ready to face the world's challenges.

Originally reported by https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/students-cant-reason-teachers-warn-ai-fueling-crisis-in-kids-ability-to-think/.

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