Reflection Should Be Non-Negotiable in the Age of AI

Posted on 1 June 2025

Written by Dr Sue, founder of Prompt Talk and Prompt Academy.

Why Every Assignment Needs a Window into the Student’s Mind

Let’s be honest: with AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini at everyone’s fingertips, it’s getting harder to tell who’s really learning and who’s just… submitting.

This doesn’t mean we need to ban AI. But it does mean we need better signals of student engagement and ethical learning — and reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have.

So why make reflection mandatory?

Because reflection does what AI can’t: It tells us what the student was really thinking.

🚦 A Checkpoint for Ethical AI Use

Reflection forces students to pause and ask:

  • Did I rely too much on AI?
  • Do I actually understand what I submitted?
  • What parts did I struggle with, and why?

This isn’t just nice to know — it’s ethical gold. When students reflect honestly, we get insight into their choices, judgment, and integrity. And in the AI era, that’s more important than ever.

🎯 21st Century Skills in Action

Want students to think critically, take ownership, and communicate better? Make them reflect.

Reflection taps into 3 of the 4Cs (Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity). It’s not an afterthought — it’s a core assessment strategy that keeps human values at the centre of AI-enhanced learning.

📌 Final Thought

Reflection isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about checking in — with the learner, their process, and their growth.

If we want students to use AI responsibly, we need to start asking them:

“What did you actually learn from this?”

Make reflection non-negotiable.
It’s not just a writing task — it’s a window into the soul of learning in an AI-driven world.

🔗 Further Reading from Around the World

📚 You Might Also Like

Scroll to Top