The Future of Education

Edition 15

Accepted Abstracts

Scaffold-Engage-Apply (SEA): Proposing an AI-Critical Teaching Framework to Prepare a Competent Future Workforce Capable of Meaningful, Human-Guided AI Use

Radu-Florentin Diaconu, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi; AmpiFire (Romania)

Abstract

Across classrooms and campuses, unguided or misguided generative AI use (what I refer to as “lazy AI”) has sparked a trend of shortcut pseudo-learning that discourages critical thinking, discipline-specific knowledge, and students’ ability to assess AI output competently. In response, this paper introduces the Scaffold–Engage–Apply (SEA) model: a three-stage framework designed to build core academic skills and AI literacy that will allow today’s learners to function as competent professionals in tomorrow’s AI-intensive, post-human world.The ‘Scaffold’ stage delivers live, analog instruction to establish discipline-specific foundations. ‘Engage’ combines traditional study with guided AI use and in-class assessments that encourage learners to spot AI biases and errors, and reduce reliance on uncritical automation. ‘Apply’ pushes learners into slightly-beyond-comfort-zone projects with transparent, field-competent AI integration. The model is iterative and scalable, suitable from early literacy through to university-level instruction. Grounded in classic educational theory - constructivism (Piaget, Vygotsky), cognitive apprenticeship (Collins et al.), metacognition (Flavell), and Krashen’s i+1 framework - the SEA model also draws on cutting-edge research into AI in education. While global institutions scramble to address AI in education, few offer practical and actionable frameworks. SEA aims to cater to that need with a practical, critical, and adaptable system designed to prepare learners to use AI tools meaningfully and competently for the achievement of meaningful real-world goals. In doing so, students are not reduced to passive channels for AI to express itself, but empowered to bring their essential human contribution, one that improves outcomes as it is critical, grounded, and ultimately irreplaceably human.

 

Keywords

AI in education, critical AI literacy, AI misuse, AI ethics in education, post-human pedagogy, Scaffold-Engage-Apply (SEA) model

 

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