Teachers` Use of Artificial Intelligence to Support Critical Thinking Skills in Private Secondary Schools` Learners: A Perceptual Study

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the perceptions and practices of private secondary school teachers regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in supporting the critical thinking of secondary school learners. The study also examined the influence of classroom practices on students' critical thinking. This research adopts a perceptual approach to investigate how teachers use AI in their classroom practice. This research study was conducted in three private secondary schools in Karachi, and data were collected from six teachers via individual semi- structured interviews. The findings indicated that the majority of the participants felt that the use of AI supported students' critical thinking. However, some participants felt that overreliance of AI use may make students dependent, it may hinder enhancing students critical thinking skills. However, it was also revealed that students took much interest when teachers used AI in teaching and learning process. Recommendations on the basis of findings include that the department of education at the provincial level should endeavor to elevate teachers’ awareness to use AI in the classroom to support students’ critical thinking. It is also recommended that curriculum developers and policy makers should design some ethical rules in using AI in teaching and learning process.