Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills among EFL Students at Salahaddin University-Erbil: The Role of AI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21271/zjhs.29.SpB.50Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence EFL Critical Thinking Technology IntegrationAbstract
This study investigates the extent to which (EFL) teachers at Salahaddin University-Erbil can develop their’ Critical thinking by using AI tools. That is, the more people accept the use of AI in education, the more need to evaluate its influence on students’ cognitive growth. The study is a qualitative piece of research using semi-structured interviews that were piloted with 18 (EFL) teachers from three different colleges, looking at four key areas: the efficacy of AI in promoting critical change, popular AI tools, the realization problems and the return- for improvement The findings reveal that, when applied strategically, AI tools—such as grammar correction platforms and content generation applications—can support the development of critical thinking and learner autonomy. However, several obstacles were identified, including insufficient teacher training, inconsistent internet access, digital illiteracy, and unethical use of AI-generated content. To ensure ethical and pedagogically effective integration of AI in EFL instruction, the study recommends professional development initiatives, cultural contextualization of AI tools, and deliberate application of AI in ways that stimulate higher-order thinking.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Naleen Hassan Tatar, Asma Abbas Brime
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