A Metaliteracy Primer: Critical Thinking, Generative AI, and Data Research

 A Metaliteracy Primer provides for students:

• The CASHIER Framework: The chapter introduces an easy-to-remember, seven-step process (CASHIER: Choose, Analyze, Synthesize, Honesty, Integrate, End product, Reflect) that guides students step-by-step through critical research, responsible source use, digital literacy, and reflection.
• Ethical and Professional Use of Information: Emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property, avoiding plagiarism, and providing proper citations—including responsible use and citation of AI-generated content.
• Critical Thinking & Logical Fallacies: Teaches learners to identify and avoid common logical fallacies (such as circular reasoning, slippery slope, ad hominem, straw man, and red herring), promoting stronger arguments and more effective analysis.
• Information & Data Literacy Tools: Provides concrete strategies for evaluating both traditional and digital sources, highlights trustworthy academic databases, and introduces foundational data skills for analyzing statistics, graphs, and economic indicators.
• Integration of Generative AI: Shows how to use AI tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT not just for quick information, but to test, refine, and reflect on your own understanding—always with attention to ethics and critical assessment.
• Emphasis on Reflection and Metacognition: Encourages regular reflection, journaling, and self-assessment to help students actively “connect the dots” in their learning and transfer metaliteracy skills across academic and professional contexts.