NEXT 2027
Call for Proposals
When Answers are Everywhere: Teaching for Critical Thinking, Reasoning, and Learning in the Age of AI
As generative AI becomes an increasingly prominent force in everyday life, educators are being challenged to reconsider how learning is designed and demonstrated. With information and answers readily available, how do we cultivate and assess critical thinking, reasoning, judgment, and engagement with ideas within and across disciplines? The NEXT Conference invites proposals that explore innovative pedagogical approaches designed to help students develop and demonstrate these essential capacities within an AI-infused environment. Rather than focusing on detecting or eliminating the use of AI, we welcome sessions that share research, practices, and strategies for supporting student learning in this rapidly changing educational landscape.
Proposals may align with one or more of the following tracks; however, submissions that address related topics are also encouraged:
- Critical Thinking, Reasoning, and Disciplinary Learning:
Approaches that help students analyze evidence, evaluate claims, solve problems, exercise judgment, and engage deeply with ideas within and across disciplines - Assessment, Feedback, and Academic Integrity:
Designing assessments and feedback practices that make learning visible, support student growth, and uphold academic integrity in evolving educational environments. - AI in Teaching and Learning:
Critical, ethical, and practical approaches to integrating, evaluating, or intentionally limiting AI in teaching, learning, and assessment. - Student Engagement, Belonging, and Success:
Strategies that foster motivation, connection, participation, persistence, and meaningful engagement in learning. - Inclusive, Accessible, and Flexible Learning Environments:
Designing equitable and accessible learning experiences across diverse student populations, modalities, and educational contexts. - Faculty Development and Institutional Innovation:
Programs, partnerships, policies, and institutional initiatives that support teaching excellence and student learning in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
We invite you to submit a proposal along one of our topic areas for the NEXT Conference on March 5, 2027, at the University of Akron.
Accepted presentations will receive a presenter’s discount on their registration and a certificate of participation.
Session Formats:
Individual Presentation
30-minutes
Interactive or Hands-on Session
30-minutes
Panel/Group Presentationâ€
30-minutes
†Group presentations can accommodate a maximum of 4 presenters. All presenters must register for the conference.
Submit a Proposal
Proposals Due October 31st