Introduction
In recent times, discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) often revolve around its potential to replace human intelligence. However, it’s essential to recognize that AI hasn’t diminished our cognitive abilities; instead, it has provided us with new tools to enhance our thinking processes. This article explores how we can utilize AI generative models to foster better critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Current State of Literacy and Numeracy Skills
According to UNESCO, 95% of adults in Mexico were literate by 2020. However, this statistic doesn’t guarantee that individuals are effectively using their literacy skills. The OECD’s “Skills Strategy – Tlaxcala (Mexico)” report, published in 2021, revealed that 51% of Mexican adults scored at level 1 or below in reading competency and approximately 60% in numerical competency, according to the PIAAC survey.
Globally, similar trends are observed; the OECD warns that reading and mathematical skills among adults have either declined or stagnated in most countries over the past decade.
Harnessing AI for Enhanced Thinking
While AI might potentially worsen these statistics, it also presents an opportunity to reverse the trend. Here are five ways to use AI generative models to improve our thinking processes:
1. Organize Your Day or Project
Ask AI to create a 30-day plan for organizing a project or forming a new habit. Provide your daily routine, schedules, peak workload times, strengths, weaknesses, and the desired outcome in your prompt.
You can also request AI to act as a personal coach, tracking your progress, proposing solutions, and assisting in team organization. Request the plan to be based on various methodologies (SMART, Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban, PRINCE2, or Critical Path) and ask AI to explain which one suits your project best.
2. Structure Ideas
Instead of randomly asking questions, use AI to create guided mind maps or generate reflective questions. Describe the topic or dilemma in detail and ask AI to organize the information into main ideas, arguments, examples, and identify areas where you repeat concepts or get stuck.
Here, AI won’t provide answers but will help you think more effectively.
3. Validate Projects
Employ AI as a second opinion on an ongoing project. Request AI to analyze your idea from different perspectives (e.g., a sales manager’s or marketing analyst’s viewpoint). Ask AI to evaluate your hypotheses, identify gaps, or propose new approaches.
Remember that AI’s feedback should be considered as material for strengthening your existing work, not absolute truths.
4. Request Useful and Precise Summaries
Instead of asking for generic explanations, provide AI with a bibliography or list of sources related to your topic of study. Request AI to create a working document with a specific number of paragraphs or pages, examples, references, and questions for better understanding.
You can also ask AI to create a monthly reading plan based on your most interesting topic.
5. Learn Something New
Turn AI into your personalized tutor. Request a study plan with defined deadlines, weekly techniques for memorization or comprehension, practical exercises, additional materials, real-life examples, and complementary resources.
Explain your goals, learning style, and the time you can dedicate. AI may periodically assess your progress to measure your advancement.
Keep in mind that each AI model has unique strengths; experiment with different models to find the best fit for your needs:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI): More didactic, ideal for structuring ideas.
- Gemini (Google): Brief and direct, useful for brainstorming.
- Claude (Anthropic): More reflective, perfect for in-depth analysis.
- Copilot (Microsoft): Practical for managing tasks in Word or Excel.
- Grok (Elon Musk): Provocative and creative, ideal for thinking outside the box.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Can AI make us smarter? A: AI can’t replace human intelligence, but it can enhance our thinking processes by providing new tools and methods.
- Q: How can we use AI to improve thinking skills? A: By leveraging AI for organizing projects, structuring ideas, validating projects, creating useful summaries, and learning new skills.
- Q: What are some AI models suitable for different tasks? A: ChatGPT (OpenAI) is didactic for structuring ideas; Gemini (Google) is brief and direct for brainstorming; Claude (Anthropic) is reflective for in-depth analysis; Copilot (Microsoft) is practical for managing tasks in Word or Excel; and Grok (Elon Musk) is provocative and creative for thinking outside the box.
In a world where literacy and critical thinking skills seem to be declining, AI invites us to ask a crucial question: Are we willing to think better or merely seek quick results? While being optimistic, I believe AI can become our ally, not to replace human minds but to remind us of what we’re still capable of learning, reasoning, and creating.
