Critical thinking in the AI era: An exploration of EFL students’ perceptions, benefits, and limitations

Abstract

This study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ perceptions concerning both the benefits and limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of critical thinking. Utilizing a qualitative research design that focuses on case studies and employs semi-structured interviews, seven master’s degree students from two different Indonesian universities were purposively selected for the sample. The findings revealed a complex view of critical thinking that involves questioning norms, analyzing context, and evaluating evidence. Students acknowledged AI’s utility in enriching various facets of critical thinking, such as academic research and theory scrutiny. However, concerns were also raised about AI’s limitations, including lack of personalization, potential for echo chambers, and difficulties in nuanced understanding. The study concludes that AI can be an asset in the development of critical thinking skills, but with caveats that require careful management. A balanced approach that capitalizes on AI’s strengths while being aware of its limitations is necessary for cultivating robust critical thinking abilities among EFL students. Limitations of the study include its reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases, and the heterogeneity in the participants’ backgrounds, affecting generalizability. Future research may consider more objective measures such as observations or psychometric tests, and investigate pedagogical methods for integrating critical thinking and AI applications effectively.