Stage 2 of 3 · With AI
Friction
Critical testing
Formulation action
For the final assessment, open a new conversation and provide the thesis, response and criteria again. This separation reduces anchoring and the tendency of a model to defend its earlier output.
With AI · Request
Follow the protocol without transferring the decision.
Each stage distinguishes what may be requested from AI from what must remain the student’s own decision.
Serious objections
Ask the student to request the strongest objections to the thesis.
“Here is my thesis: [paste your thesis]. Give me the three strongest objections that a genuine specialist would make. Avoid easy or purely theoretical objections.”
The student chooses
The student selects one objection and explains why. AI does not intervene at this stage.
The student decides without AI.
Answer first
The student answers the objection before any further AI intervention. This is the essential stage.
The student writes the response independently.
Assess the response
Ask AI to assess the student’s response, not to restate the objection.
“Here is the objection: [paste it]. Here is my response: [paste it]. Assess my response, not the objection. What is sound, weak or unsupported? Be demanding and do not flatter me.”
Drift to watch
AI produces weak objections. Require “the objections of a serious opponent”.
Success indicator
The student qualifies or changes the initial position with reasons.