Students' and Instructors' Perceptions of Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
TL;DR
The findings indicate that most students utilize AI tools in their learning, and 56% believe that AI is essential for enhancing their critical thinking, and teachers' findings illustrated that the second and third standards of critical thinking are declined in students.
Abstract
The widespread evolution of artificial intelligence has affected every aspect of teaching and learning. The main purpose of this paper is to examine how instructors and Kurdish EFL students perceive the use of AI and their potential impact on critical thinking, drawing on their prior learning experiences. The data is collected through a mixed-method questionnaire and a written interview. The participants of the study are 174 students and 62 instructors from the public universities of Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The findings indicate that most students utilize AI tools in their learning, and 56% believe that AI is essential for enhancing their critical thinking. Compared to the instructors' perceptions, which are regarded as having a complex understanding, the instructors had a negative view of AI. They illustrated the consequences of students' overreliance, leading to a decline in their critical thinking skills, as easy and fast access to information will make brain used to routine more than conscious thinking. As based on ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) framework for critical thinking development, teachers’ findings illustrated that the second and third standards of critical thinking which are evaluating ideas and decision making are declined in students. To enhance students' critical thinking, the study recommends that instructors integrate AI tools into their teaching style. To reduce students' passivity in the learning environment, the study recommends implementing the flipped classroom model and increasing classroom activities to provide students with more opportunities to practice critical thinking.