Algorithms, Echo Chambers & Critical Thinking in the English Language Classroom
January 29, 2026
Share this post
In Episode 80 of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with global educator and ESL teacher Andrea Collados to unpack how algorithms, echo chambers, and digital media environments are shaping the way students encounter information—and why critical thinking has become an essential responsibility in the English language classroom.
As algorithm-driven platforms increasingly curate what learners see, believe, and share, Andrea argues that ELT classrooms may be one of the last spaces where students can slow down, question sources, and engage meaningfully with perspectives beyond their digital bubbles. Rather than positioning technology as something to avoid, this episode encourages teachers to interrogate it thoughtfully and intentionally.
“ Our algorithm is tailored according to what we do and what we search. And there is this false sense that this is for our benefit and it's quite the opposite because then you are trapped in a bubble and you cannot see other perspectives. And then you are just in that loop of thinking the same and doing the same thing over and over again.”
— Andrea Collados
Together, the conversation explores media literacy, confirmation bias, and the emotional dimensions of critical thinking, highlighting empathy and perspective-taking as core analytical skills. Andrea shares low-prep, classroom-ready strategies for embedding critical questioning into everyday lessons without overhauling existing curricula. From analyzing social media posts to designing speaking and writing tasks that challenge students to shift viewpoints, this episode offers practical inspiration for helping learners navigate information critically and ethically.
This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking to support students as discerning language users and engaged global citizens, especially in an era of misinformation, polarization, and algorithmic influence.
🎙️ Listen now on your favorite platform:
🔗 Follow The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast on social media for more updates:
Comments
There are no comments on this post. Start the conversation!