Use AI Without Giving Away Your Thinking

AI can support your thinking without becoming a substitute for it. The goal is to use the tool in ways that leave you more capable, not less involved.

1. Start With Something From You

Before asking AI for help, create something: an idea, question, draft, solution, explanation, plan, or list of what you already understand.

2. Ask for Help That Makes You Think

Useful prompts can ask AI to:

• ask you questions that help you develop your idea;
• give feedback without rewriting your work;
• show two possible approaches so you can compare them;
• explain where your reasoning may be unclear;
• create practice problems or quiz questions;
• suggest what evidence or information you should verify.

3. Do Not Treat the Output as Automatically Correct

AI can make mistakes, invent details, oversimplify, or miss important context. Check important claims against reliable sources or your course materials.

4. Keep Your Voice

Do not copy language you do not understand or would never use. If AI suggests something, decide whether it actually fits your idea, evidence, audience, and voice.

5. Be Able to Explain the Final Work

Before submitting or sharing anything, ask:

“Can I explain why this says what it says, where the information came from, and what decisions I made?”

Try It

You wrote a paragraph, but it feels weak. Which prompt protects your thinking better?

• A: “Rewrite this into an A+ paragraph.”
• B: “Read my paragraph. Ask me three questions that could help me make my explanation stronger. Do not rewrite it for me.”

Explain the difference.

💡 Funky Tip

Use AI to create better thinking conditions—not to escape the thinking.

I am smart.

Your judgment is still required before, during, and after using the tool.

🎒 Take It With You

Start with you → ask for thinking help → check it → keep your voice → own the final work.