Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes society, higher education institutions (HEIs) must adapt by fostering critical thinking skills in students to navigate this changing landscape. This session invites participants to explore: How can we foster critical thinking skills in students in response to the rise of AI, and how can we leverage AI to develop these skills? In a roundtable format, we will discuss the implications of AI on teaching and learning and how educational practices can evolve to incorporate AI while cultivating critical thinking necessary for future success and sustainability in HE (Strielkowski et al, 2024).

The session will begin with an exposition focusing on two key aspects: the challenges AI presents to traditional critical thinking and how AI can be leveraged to support these skills. AI tools, such as ChatGPT and other machine learning systems, provide instant access to vast amounts of knowledge, but they raise concerns about passive learning and over-reliance on technology, potentially eroding the deep thinking required for real understanding (Shah & Asad, 2024). As AI becomes more integrated into education, it is essential to rethink how we cultivate students’ abilities to question, critique, and apply knowledge, rather than merely consume it. This approach supports SDG 4: Quality Education, promoting critical engagement with technology and enhancing access to quality education through inclusive pedagogies that encourage inquiry-based learning.

AI also offers significant opportunities to enhance critical thinking. For example, AI-driven simulations immerse students in real-world scenarios, encouraging them to solve complex problems in dynamic ways (Musali & Vermeulen, 2024). By leveraging AI to provide real-time data and insights, students can test their assumptions, analyse alternative viewpoints, and engage in reflective thinking (Mattalo, 2024). This interactive, problem-solving environment helps develop the skills necessary for students to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as it fosters the integration of innovative teaching practices that prepare students for the demands of future technological advancements.

The session will also explore how HEIs need to embrace student-centred learning environments that allow students to engage critically with AI-generated content. This shift encourages collaborative, inquiry-based learning, where students evaluate AI-driven information, consider ethical concerns, and reflect on its implications (Schwab, 2017). Through these methods, AI can bridge learning gaps, contributing to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing equitable access to educational tools and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. Additionally, AI supports the development of flexible learning models that accommodate diverse student cognitive processing needs.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities AI presents for critical thinking and practical strategies for integrating AI into teaching practices to enhance student learning.

This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education and the development of critical thinking skills. We will discuss the dual challenge of AI: fostering critical thinking while leveraging AI to enhance these skills in the classroom. Participants will engage in a roundtable discussion about innovative teaching strategies, AI-driven learning environments, and how to integrate technology while promoting deep, reflective thinking.