Exploring the impact of AI on language instructors’ critical thinking abilities: Insights from higher education

Abstract This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the critical thinking (CT) abilities of language instructors in higher education. To this end, 10 university language instructors participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Having adapted the CT framework, the data were discussed in four key domains: clarification, advanced clarification, basis of inference, and inference. Participants highlighted the benefits of AI for concept clarification and a subtle understanding of information. Furthermore, they pinpointed the potential of AI to facilitate advanced clarification and a deeper analysis of underlying assumptions. However, regarding the basis of inference, the reliance on AI is reduced, suggesting the need for a practical integration of AI in educational practices. In conclusion, this research highlights the complex perspectives of instructors and underscores the pivotal role of AI in CT in higher education contexts, while emphasizing the need for further research on its implications to inform AI-integrated pedagogical approaches.