Problem Solving

I would like to hear an opinion regarding this following topic:

As technology is advancing and the genesis of full-functioning AI is imminent, there is a worry in the public that AI will replace jobs, leading to mass unemployment. AI is currently able to do simple tasks, like computational tasks (solving equations/graphing/etc) and physical tasks (picking up a pencil/providing information/etc). Because of the accelerating increases in science and technology, it is inevitable that AI has to potential to take over the workforce.

To preclude the unemployment that will result from the increasing capabilities of AI, schools will have to modify the curriculum and educational methods to save todays generation of students from the danger of mass unemployment. Because AI has a lot of potential to take over simple jobs, occupations that require more creativity and critical thinking are least likely to be affected by the rise of AI.

To create a workforce that can creatively think and can thus take occupations that require critical thinking, schools will have to teach students to critically think so they can develop their problem-solving skills. Such a thing can be done by modifying tests and quizzes so the questions have more critical thinking questions, and by going over many "hard" questions in class so students can practice such questions and thus develop better problem-solving skills. In other words, the "simple" questions today, like solving a quadratic equation or an absolute value equation, which computers are easily able to do, have to be replaced with "hard" questions like a quadratic equation with an absolute value.

On the contrary, basic problem solving and simple calculations should not be emphasized as much, as AI will do most of that work in the future. For example, silly mistakes done when calculating the solutions to a simple problem (like a quadratic) should be emphasized less than the logic involved when solving a more complicated equation that requires critical thinking (like a quadratic with an absolute value). In the future workforce, we will have to critically think to solve a "hard" question, and the computations would be done correctly (without silly mistakes) by an AI.

Such modifications can also be performed in other subjects. Problem-Solving and Analysis skills can be developed in subjects like English, by going over questions that require in-depth analysis in class, in History, by emphasizing the world today and how learning from past historical events can help us make better decisions now, and in Science, by fostering "application" skills and providing opportunities for students to practice such skills.

By letting students practice critical thinking, they will be more prepared to face the future where AI would have dominated occupations that do not require much problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of Science and Society.

It would be nice if I could hear anyone's viewpoint regarding my opinion of how schools have to be modified to better prepare students for the future.

Thanks, and have a nice day!

Note by Yashas Ravi
2 years, 3 months ago

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Comments

Yes I agree with you. Currently, most schools focus on making students do lots of 'easy' problems just to practice basic concepts rather than expanding onto contextual problems requiring critical thinking. This is why many students struggle in exams, where questions are harder than that they had practised. Many students nowadays are only taught the formula, not the proof of it and how to apply/ manipulate it to solve problems.

Charley Shi - 2 years, 3 months ago

I definitely agree with this viewpoint. There needs to be a transition from a memorization-based education system to one that hinges on application and critical thinking. Memorization is important to an extent, but application and critical thinking will be more useful as we move forward in our lives. Application and critical thinking questions are more difficult than rote memorization, but students need to "swallow a bitter pill" by practicing and getting better at these questions.

Vivek Rallabandi - 2 years, 2 months ago
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