AI, Inquiry, And The Future Of Thinking

Drew Perkins welcomes Carole Geneix, Director of Teaching and Learning at Washington International School, to the podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence in education. As schools grapple with the "AI revolution," Geneix argues that instead of fearing these tools, educators must integrate them into content-rich, inquiry-based frameworks to deepen student thinking.

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Carole highlights that the "AI fear" often stems from a misunderstanding of what these tools do. Drawing from her extensive background in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Project Zero thinking routines, she explains that AI shouldn't be viewed as a way to bypass thinking, but as a "material" and "process" for students to interact with. By shifting the focus from the final product to the cognitive journey, teachers can ensure that inquiry remains at the heart of the classroom.

The conversation dives into the practicalities of implementation, from the nuances of "See, Think, Wonder" routines to the necessity of teaching students how to prompt and critique AI outputs. They also discuss the global differences in education systems, comparing the centralized French model to the localized, inquiry-driven approach of international schools, and why a "knowledge-rich" curriculum is the essential foundation for effective AI use.

Finally, they explore the shifting nature of assessment. Carole shares how schools can move away from traditional grading toward "reflection boxes" and process-oriented evaluations that prioritize human agency, ethics, and critical analysis in a world where information is increasingly automated.

Timestamped Episode Timeline

• [00:00] Introduction of Carole Geneix – Director of Teaching and Learning at Washington International School and global education expert.

• [08:15] Global Education Perspectives – Comparing French, Korean, and U.S. educational philosophies and the role of inquiry.

• [14:30] Defining Inquiry-Based Learning – Why inquiry is a mindset, not just a set of activities, and its roots in the IB framework.

• [19:45] Project Zero Thinking Routines – How routines like "See, Think, Wonder" foster equity and give every student a voice.

• [25:50] The "AI Roadmap" for Schools – Using the Map of Understanding to determine where AI fits into the learning process.

• [33:10] AI as Artifact, Process, and Material – Reconceptualizing AI as a tool for reflection and creation rather than just an answer-generator.

• [41:15] Policy and Implementation – Why banning AI is a mistake and how to use tools like Flint AI for safe, monitored student engagement.

• [52:40] The Future of Assessment – Shifting from "what you know" to "how you think" in the age of generative AI.

• [01:05:10] Professional Development – The long-term commitment required to shift school culture toward inquiry-driven AI integration.

• [01:14:00] Closing Remarks – Where to find Carole's work and stay updated on AI in pedagogy.