Generating discussion: Using ChatGPT to foster critical thinking skills

Abstract

Cultivating critical thinking (CT) skills has become standard practice in education in Japan at the behest of many institutes and Japan's Ministry of education, culture, sports, science, and technology (MEXT, 2023). However, recent developments in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have left many educators to freshly consider how to encourage creativity and critical thinking in a world with such powerful and readily available AI like ChatGPT. However, by exposing students to the realities of ChatGPT and educating them on how it can be used, AI can be a tool to foster CT skills (Chang et al., 2021). This article outlines the procedure, impressions, and considerations of a classroom practice in which English-language students analyzed discussion questions created by ChatGPT. Students were required to use higher-order thinking skills by considering the significance, role, and qualities of thought-provoking discussion questions and evaluating generated questions against these criteria. Beyond encouraging CT, the activity highlighted its necessity when adopting new, exciting technology.