Critical Thinking and Learning
Critical thinking becomes visible when learners explain what they know, connect ideas, test evidence, and apply understanding in new settings.
Critical thinking and learning sit at the center of this site. Miguel often returns to the same practical question: what does the learner understand, and how can that understanding be made visible? That question applies whether the topic is classroom instruction, professional learning, Gen AI, or leadership.
This hub collects resources about evidence, reflection, transfer, instructional design, and frameworks that help educators move beyond surface completion. It includes routines and examples that ask learners to articulate ideas, connect them to evidence or prior knowledge, and extend them to new situations.
Miguel’s perspective is grounded in classroom experience and professional learning. A polished product is not enough. The learner should be able to explain the thinking behind the work. That is especially important in a time when Gen AI can produce fluent answers without understanding.
Important terms include transfer, metacognition, evidence, retrieval practice, SOLO Taxonomy, articulation, connection, and extension.
Original Frameworks
Start Here
- The SOLO Taxonomy: Posts connected to SOLO Taxonomy and visible learning.
- ACE Image Inquiry: A practical inquiry routine for reading visual evidence.
- A Question of Judgment: A reflection on AI use and judgment.
Recent Writing
- TCDLA 2026 - AI in Law
- KPFT Radio Guest: AI, Critical Thinking, and More
- Seven Questions Your Nonprofit Should Be Afraid to Ask This Summer, Part 1
- Read A Book: Diana Benner EduSky TLSky Librarians TCEA
- A Reverse Poem Worth Reflecting On
- Read A Book: Peggy Reimers
- Learning Forward Texas Resources: AI, UDL, Coaching, and Dashboards LFTX26 @LearnTexas
- MyNotes: Gemini Price Drop
- 11 – The Learning Loop: AI Workflows Meet the AI Backlash
- 12 – The Learning Loop: DrawSplat™ and the Return of Student-Centered Creation EdTech Privacy Whiteboards FREE NoAI
Questions People Ask
How does critical thinking show up in student work?
It shows up when students explain reasoning, connect evidence to claims, notice limits, and transfer ideas beyond the original example.
Can Gen AI support critical thinking?
It can, but only when the task requires students to judge, revise, explain, and verify rather than simply accept generated output.
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