Competent Thinking in a Challenging World

Abstract

Humanity faces many challenges, particularly pressing are problems of sustainable development that threaten the environment and the well-being of life in it. Ideally, the knowledge we offer and the competences we foster should equip our students for their present and future needs. This includes the need to think about those challenges and navigate lives accordingly in a complex, interconnected world. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to support that thought, but what it can and cannot do needs to be understood by our students. As important is its role as a tool: it should not be allowed to usurp or replace human intelligence in choosing and deciding. The curriculum must respond to the rapidly changing world and its challenges, and the need to live and think with and without AI. From a human-centred perspective, clusters of thought that are particularly relevant to life in a complex, challenging and AI-saturated world are proposed, notably integrated, contextual thought and practical wisdom. The development of competencies in these kinds of thought is illustrated with examples relating to students in diverse phases of education. The chapter concludes with some practical matters for further consideration to bring such a curriculum to fruition.