The education system has been optimizing for grades for a long time. Dr. Perry Adler says AI just made the shortcut obvious.

His framework is clear: critical thinking is the ability to slow down, consider multiple angles, apply logic and reasoning, and work through a problem rather than around it. Social media and AI both accelerate in the opposite direction. A student who prompts AI for an essay and submits it has followed the system's logic perfectly and learned almost nothing.

Dr. Perry Adler trains psychotherapy interns the other way. He does not want technicians who know the steps. He wants thinkers who understand why the steps work and when they might not. He says the same standard belongs in every classroom, and that it will not arrive until the reward structure changes to match it. The oral exam, defending your own work in person, is where he thinks the conversation should start.

Topics: critical thinking kids, AI in education, performance vs learning, cognitive skills erosion, humanexus

GUEST: Dr. Perry Adler | http://humanexus.ca

Originally aired on 2026-05-05

The education system has been optimizing for grades for a long time. Dr. Perry Adler says AI just made the shortcut obvious.
His framework is clear: critical thinking is the ability to slow down, consider multiple angles, apply logic and reasoning, and work through a problem rather than around it. Social media and AI both accelerate in the opposite direction. A student who prompts AI for an essay and submits it has followed the system's logic perfectly and learned almost nothing.
Dr. Perry Adler trains psychotherapy interns the other way. He does not want technicians who know the steps. He wants thinkers who understand why the steps work and when they might not. He says the same standard belongs in every classroom, and that it will not arrive until the reward structure changes to match it. The oral exam, defending your own work in person, is where he thinks the conversation should start.
Topics: critical thinking kids, AI in education, performance vs learning, cognitive skills erosion, humanexus
GUEST: Dr. Perry Adler |<a href="http://humanexus.ca"> http://humanexus.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-05

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.