Thinking Smarter in the Age of AI

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and others are popping up in students’ toolkits everywhere. They’re fast, smart, and—let’s be honest—tempting to rely on for everything from homework help to full-blown essay writing.

But here’s the big question facing students and educators alike:

How do you make the most of GenAI without letting it do the thinking for you?

At Atolan, we’re here to help students not only succeed—but understand, reflect, and grow as independent learners. And as AI becomes more common in education, we’re focused on teaching the skills that matter most in this new landscape: critical thinking, ethical AI use, and smart study strategies.

Let’s dive into how students can stay ahead—with or without the help of AI.

✍️ AI Can Help With Writing—But You Still Need to Think

Researchers like Isabel Fischer from Warwick Business School are designing essay assignments that don’t just test knowledge—they ask students to reflect on their use of AI in the process.

The takeaway?
Even when using AI tools, students need to show their own understanding. That’s why we coach our students not just on what to write, but why they’re writing it—so they can express their own voice and ideas clearly.

📖 Reading AI Texts Takes Skill, Too

AI can generate a convincing article in seconds—but that doesn’t mean it’s always accurate, clear, or logical.

Brendan Carey from the University of Exeter says students need better reading strategies, especially when engaging with AI-written texts. That means questioning the author’s (or chatbot’s) intent, checking references, and spotting vague or misleading language.

Our tutors help students sharpen these skills—so they can read, analyze, and evaluate information critically, whether it’s written by a human or AI.

🧠 Chatbots That Ask “Why?” Can Boost Your Thinking

Imagine an AI that doesn’t give you the answer—but asks you to think more deeply.

That’s what Meryem Yilmaz Soylu at Georgia Tech is exploring. By mimicking the Socratic method, chatbots can prompt students to explain their reasoning and reflect on how they arrived at an answer.

At Atolan, we use similar questioning techniques in our tutoring sessions to build confidence and critical thinking—skills that go far beyond exams.

📊 Business Students: Learn to Work With AI

AI isn’t just a study tool—it’s also a future job skill.

John Murphy from the University of Adelaide outlines a four-step method to help business students build AI literacy in their coursework. From understanding how tools work to evaluating their impact, AI skills are becoming essential.

That’s why we offer tutoring that blends subject knowledge with future-ready skills. Whether it’s writing a report or using AI responsibly, we guide students every step of the way.

🎯 Why Critical Thinking Still Rules

Is critical thinking the magic solution to AI overuse? Not quite—but it’s still one of the most important skills students can learn.

Jason M. Lodge and Luke Zaphir from the University of Queensland argue that assessments need to focus on the human side of thinking: judgment, creativity, and reflection. We couldn’t agree more.

That’s why our tutors don’t just teach content—we teach students how to think, ask better questions, and make meaningful connections.

❌ Some Educators Are Saying “No” to AI—for Good Reason

Maja Korica, a professor at IÉSEG School of Management, has banned GenAI from her classroom. She believes it can hinder students’ ability to develop curiosity, empathy, and informed opinions. Whether or not AI is allowed, the message is clear: students need space to think critically, question the world, and grow as learners.

How We Support Students in the GenAI Era

At Atolan, we know the education world is changing—and we’re here to help students adapt with confidence. Our tutors support:

• Ethical, purposeful AI use

• Stronger writing and reading skills

• Critical thinking and independent learning

• Future-ready academic and professional skills

We don’t just help students get better grades—we help them become smarter learners, ready for whatever comes next.

Need Help Navigating Study in the Age of AI?

Whether your child is using AI or avoiding it, we’re here to help them stay on track and keep their thinking sharp.
Book a free consultation or get matched with a tutor today.